IDSHIPMA 
IN  CHINA 


LIEUTENANT  COMMANDER 
YATES  STIRLING,  JR. 

U.  S.  NAVY 


11 


•  T  WAS  ROUGH  L  Y  SEIZED 
FROM  HIS  HAND 


A 

UNITED  STATES 

MIDSHIPMAN 

IN  CHINA 


Lt.  Com.Yates  Stirling  Jr.U&N. 

Author  of 
"A  US.  Midshipman  Afloat" 


Illustrated  <&y  RalphLBqyer 

THE  PENN  PUBLISHING 

COMPANY  PHILADELPHIA 

MCMIX 


COPYRIGHT 
1909  BY 
THEPENN 
PUBLISHING 
COMPANY 


Introduction 

THOSE  who  have  read  "  A  United  States 
Midshipman  Afloat "  will  recall  that  Philip 
Perry  and  his  friend,  Sydney  Monroe,  recent 
graduates  of  the  Naval  Academy  at  An- 
napolis, had  been  but  a  short  time  in  the 
regular  naval  service  when  the  battle-ship 
"  Connecticut,"  to  which  they  had  been 
assigned,  was  ordered  to  a  South  American 
port.  Here  they  found  a  revolution  in 
progress,  and  it  became  the  duty  of  the 
young  men  to  prevent  the  delivery  of  certain 
machine  guns  and  other  war  material  which 
had  been  shipped  from  America  to  the  in- 
surgents. In  this  they  were  successful  after 
some  stirring  adventure  on  land  and  sea. 

The  present  book  shows  the  same  young 
officers  on  a  United  States  gunboat  in  the 
Yangtse  River  at  a  time  when  the  lives  of 
foreigners  in  China  are  in  peril.  A  further 
account  of  their  experiences  in  Eastern  waters 
will  be  found  in  "  A  United  States  Midship- 
3 


2051: 


4  INTRODUCTION 

man  in  the  Philippines."  In  all  of  these 
books  the  endeavor  has  been  to  portray  some 
of  the  bold  enterprises  which  are  all  in  the 
day's  work  for  a  naval  officer,  and  to  show 
how  our  modern  navy  accomplishes  big  things 
in  a  quiet  way. 


Contents 

I.  AN  INCIDENT  OF  THE  RIVER          .         .         9 

II.  AN  UNPLEASANT  ENCOUNTER        .         .21 

III.  THE  PERIL  AT  THE  MISSION  GATE        .       32 

IV.  THE  EMBASSY  TO  THE  VICEROY    .         .       44 
V.  THE  VICEROY'S  TREACHERY         .         .       59 

VI.  DIPLOMACY  FAILS        ....       72 

VII.     DISSENSIONS 86 

VIII.  IGNACIO  SHOWS  His  HAND    .         .         .108 

IX.  HELD  AS  HOSTAGES      .         .         .         .122 

X.  A  CHINESE  PRISON        .         .         .         .     139 

XI.  FRIENDS  IN  NEED         .         .         .         .15* 

XII.     A  DARING  PLAN 167 

XIII.  HOPES  OF  ESCAPE          .         .         .         .181 

XIV.  THE  ESCAPE 194 

XV.  AN  ENEMY  SILENCED    ....     208 

XVI.  REENFORCEMENTS         ....     234 

XVII.  ABOARD  THE  «  PHCENIX  "...     245 

XVIII.  THE  START  FOR  Ku-LiNG    .         .         .259 

XIX.  THE  SECRET  CHANNEL        , .         .         .     274 

XX.  RUNNING  THE  BATTERIES      .         .         .     288 

XXI.  To  THE  RESCUE  OF  THE  MISSION  .         .     299 

XXII.  THE  LAST  CHARGE      ....     314 

XXIII.  THE  FORTS  SURRENDER        .         .         .     332 

XXIV.  PHIL  EXPLAINS 345 

5 


Illustrations 

HHH 

IT  WAS  ROUGHLY  SEIZED  FROM  His  HAND  .  Frontispiect 
A  PISTOL  SHOT  RANG  OUT  .  .  .  71 

"  WE  ARE  YOUR  FRIENDS  "  .        .        .150 

HE  MEASURED  THE  STRENGTH  OF  His  ANTAGONIST  191 
"THE  MONITORS  ARE  ACTUALLY  HERE!"  .  .  256 
"  THERE  is  STILL  A  CHANCE  "  .  .  .  .  283 
THE  AMERICANS  WERE  STRUCK  DUMB  .  .  342 


A  United  Slates  Midshipman  in  China 


A    United    States 
Midshipman  in  China 

CHAPTER  I 

AN    INCIDENT   OF   THE    RIVER 

THE  United  States  gunboat  "  Phoenix  "  lay 
at  anchor  in  the  swift  current  of  the  Yangtse 
River  opposite  the  Chinese  city  of  Ku-Ling. 
The  surface  of  the  water  seemed  tranquil,  but 
a  closer  look  over  the  side  of  the  ship  showed 
to  the  observer  the  strength  of  the  muddy 
flood  that  swept  for  thousands  of  miles 
through  the  length  of  the  Chinese  Empire, 
from  the  far-away  snows  of  the  mountains  of 
Tibet  onward  to  the  waters  of  the  Pacific 
Ocean. 

Two  young  midshipmen  were  standing  at 
the    gunboat's    rail    in    eager    conversation. 
Their  eyes  were  intent  upon  the  scenes  on  the 
shore  scarce  a  hundred  yards  away. 
9 


10  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  Oh,  there's  Langdon  !  "  exclaimed  Philip 
Perry,  the  taller  of  the  two  lads,  as  the  form 
of  the  government  pilot,  Joseph  Langdon, 
was  seen  coming  from  the  ward-room  com- 
panion ladder.  "  Langdon,  have  you  ever  seen 
this  much  talked  about  Chang-Li-Hun  ?  " 

"  Seen  him  ?  "  Langdon  echoed,  approaching 
the  speaker.  "  I've  talked  with  him  many  a 
time,  and  you  can  take  my  word  for  it,  there 
isn't  a  man  in  all  China  whom  I  wouldn't 
sooner  have  for  my  enemy.  He's  a  past 
craftsman  in  oriental  subtlety  and  diplomacy. 
He  rules  his  own  people  with  a  rod  of  iron, 
and  if  an  official  displeases  him,  off  goes  his 
head  in  the  most  approved  Chinese  fashion." 

Both  midshipmen  suppressed  an  uncon- 
scious shiver  as  the  American  pilot  of  the 
Yangtse  River  illustrated  the  death  of  the 
disgraced  official  by  chopping  at  his  own  thick 
neck  with  a  great  sun-tanned,  muscular  hand. 

"  Everything  looks  peaceful  enough  ashore 
there  now,  doesn't  it?"  Sydney  Monroe, 
Phil's  friend  and  classmate,  said  in  a  tone  of 
inquiry.  "  It  doesn't  seem  as  if  the  foreigners 
were  much  in  fear  of  the  dangers  of  Chinese 
violence.  Look  !  "  he  exclaimed  ;  "  there  are 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  11 

European  women  and  even  children  walking 
along  the  streets." 

"  That's  the  danger  in  China,"  Langdon  re- 
turned in  a  troubled  voice.  "  Living  in  this 
country  is  like  being  on  top  of  a  presumably 
extinct  volcano.  No  one  knows  when  it  will 
break  out.  Sometimes  it  comes  without  the 
usual  rumblings." 

"  There  must  have  been  some  rumblings," 
Philip  Perry  exclaimed,  pointing  suggestively 
at  the  half  score  of  foreign  gunboats  repre- 
senting all  the  European  navies. 

"  Yes,"  Langdon  answered,  "  there  have 
been  many  signs  which  have  greatly  alarmed 
those  who  have  made  a  study  of  the  Chinese 
situation.  This  viceroy  has  within  the  last 
few  weeks  allowed  many  insults  by  his  people 
to  foreigners  to  go  unpunished,  and  will  not 
listen  to  the  appeals  of  the  foreign  consuls. 
The  missionaries  all  over  the  provinces  are  in 
fear  of  some  terrible  calamity,  and  it  is 
through  their  urgent  demands  that  these  war- 
ships are  here." 

"  What  do  the  foreigners  fear  ? "  Sydney 
asked,  interestedly. 

"  Fear ! "  Langdon  exclaimed.    "  Why,  almost 


12  A  UNITED  STATES 

every  kind  of  torture  and  death.  When  once 
the  Chinese  are  allowed  to  avenge  themselves 
upon  the  foreigner  there's  no  limit  to  their 
cruelty." 

"  Why  can't  we  appeal  to  the  Chinese 
government  at  Peking  to  protect  foreigners?  " 
Phil  asked  gravely.  "  Haven't  we  a  treaty 
with  China  for  protection  of  United  States 
citizens  here  ?  " 

Langdon  gave  the  lad  a  withering  look,  as 
he  replied  : 

"  This  viceroy  is  not  letting  Peking  know 
what  is  happening  in  his  provinces.  If  he 
succeeds  in  making  the  country  over  which 
he  rules  dangerous  and  unprofitable  to 
foreigners  without  doing  more  than  kill  a  few 
missionaries  and  ruining  foreign  trade, 
Peking  will  apologize  for  the  deaths  and  pay 
an  indemnity  to  the  families  of  those  killed 
and  then  to  sustain  him  in  the  eyes  of  his 
people  decorate  him  with  the  Order  of  the 
Dragon.  But  if  he  goes  too  far,  then  Peking, 
in  order  to  save  herself  from  an  invasion  of 
foreign  soldiers,  will  disgrace  the  viceroy  in 
one  of  the  many  ways  known  best  to  the 
Chinese." 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  13 

"  Here  comes  the  captain  now,"  Sydney  ex- 
claimed as  a  small  white  canopied  steam 
launch  shoved  off  from  the  jetty  and  stood 
toward  the  "  Phoenix." 

All  three  walked  toward  the  gangway  to 
meet  Commander  Hughes,  the  captain  of  the 
gunboat,  who  had  been  ashore  to  visit  his 
consul  and  gather  the  latest  news  of  the  much 
feared  uprising  among  the  fanatical  natives. 

"  Well,  Webster,"  Commander  Hughes  ex- 
claimed in  hearty  tones  to  the  executive 
officer,  as  he  put  his  foot  on  the  quarter-deck, 
returning  in  a  precise  manner  the  salutes  of 
the  officers  standing  near.  "  Keep  your  guard 
for  the  mission  ready  to  land  at  a  moment's 
notice.  I  saw  that  half-breed  Emmons,  the 
oracle  of  the  river.  He  is  non-committal,  but 
I  can  see  he  fears  trouble.  He  promised  to 
warn  me  in  plenty  of  time.  Emmons  says 
that  the  Tartar  general,  commanding  all  the 
soldiers  under  the  viceroy,  is  not  in  sympathy 
with  this  movement,  and  if  he  can  urge  the 
viceroy  to  take  steps  to  suppress  it,  our 
presence  here  may  yet  be  unnecessary." 

After  the  captain  had  entered  his  cabin  the 
two  midshipmen  turned  eagerly  upon  the  pilot. 


14  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  Who  is  this  half-breed  Emmons  the 
captain  speaks  of?  "  Phil  demanded. 

"  Do  you  see  all  those  launches  over  there  ?  " 
the  pilot  inquired,  pointing  to  the  near-by 
docks  where  many  small  vessels  were  un- 
loading. 

"  Well,  they  belong  to  Emmons,"  he  added, 
"and  he's  very  rich.  His  mother  was  a 
native  woman  and  his  father  an  American 
merchant  skipper.  Emmons  wears  Chinese 
clothes  and  to  meet  him  on  the  street  you'd 
take  him  for  a  native.  We're  lucky  to  have 
Emmons  with  us,  but  if  the  viceroy  suspects 
that  he  is,  he'd  enjoy  nothing  better  than  to 
confiscate  his  property  and  expel  him  from 
the  provinces,  even  if  he  doesn't  have  him 
executed." 

"  Where's  this  mission  ?  "  Sydney  asked  gaz- 
ing searchingly  out  over  the  green  sloped 
hills  of  the  country. 

Langdon  held  a  pointing  finger  steadily 
out  to  the  right  of  the  walled  Chinese  city. 

"  About  five  miles  from  here,"  he  said. 
"  It's  built  in  the  middle  of  an  ancient 
Chinese  graveyard  and  is  a  thorn  in  the 
side  of  the  Chinese.  It  was  erected  three 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  15 

years  ago,  and  by  order  of  this  same  viceroy. 
No  other  site  could  be  used.  He  knew  that 
the  Chinese  would  never  rest  until  they  tore 
the  building  down.  It  took  nearly  two  years 
to  build ;  all  the  work  was  done  by  Christian 
converts.  I  don't  blame  the  captain  for 
feeling  uneasy,  for  in  my  opinion  that  mission 
will  be  the  first  point  of  attack." 

Phil  and  Sydney  were  soon  after  below  in 
their  rooms  finishing  their  unpacking ;  for 
they  had  but  recently  arrived  on  the  station 
and  had  joined  the  gunboat  just  previous  to 
her  leaving  Shanghai  on  her  four-hundred 
mile  cruise  up  the  great  Chinese  river.  So 
interested  were  they  during  the  day,  viewing 
the  shifting  scenery,  and  at  night  so  much  of 
their  time  had  been  occupied  in  standing 
watch  on  the  gunboat's  bridge,  that  they  had 
quite  forgotten  their  trunks  as  yet  unpacked 
in  the  ward-room  passages.  :  •  *  « 

After  dinner  that  evening,  while  the  mid- 
shipmen were  enjoying  the  bracing  fall  air 
on  the  quarter-deck,  Phil  was  suddenly 
summoned  to  report  immediately  to  the 
captain. 

Receiving    Commander    Hughes'    instruc- 


16  A  UNITED  STATES 

tions  to  take  the  steam  launch  and  board 
each  of  the  foreign  gunboats,  the  midship- 
man left  the  cabin  to  carry  out  his  orders, 
much  elated  at  the  exalted  role  he  was  play- 
ing in  the  affairs  of  nations.  About  an  hour 
later,  having  visited  each  of  the  foreign  gun- 
boats and  given  to  their  commanding  officers 
his  captain's  letters,  the  launch  breasted  the 
swift  current  of  the  river  on  her  return  to  the 
ship.  The  coxswain  of  the  launch  was  steer- 
ing his  boat  close  to  the  hulls  of  the  junks 
moored  to  the  jetty,  in  order  to  avoid  the 
strength  of  the  current.  The  river  was  silent ; 
no  sound  could  be  heard  save  the  whir  of  the 
tiny  engine  and  the  rush  of  the  tide  against 
the  sides  of  the  launch. 

As  the  boat  passed  within  the  shadow  of  a 
high-sided  junk,  such  as  are  used  by  the 
wealthy  Chinese  as  house-boats,  a  piercing 
cry  rang  out  over  the  quiet  water  from  her 
deck,  directly  above  Phil's  head ;  then  he 
heard  the  sound  of  a  scuffle,  followed  by  the 
splash  of  a  heavy  body  in  the  dark  waters 
astern  of  the  launch.  The  lad  was  on  his 
feet  in  an  instant ;  throwing  off  his  coat,  he 
sprang  out  on  the  launch's  rail,  ready  to  go 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  17 

to  the  assistance  of  the  unfortunate  one  who 
had  been  swallowed  up  in  the  treacherous 
waters.  The  coxswain  had  by  signal  stopped 
the  headway  of  the  launch  and  all  eyes  were 
searching  the  waters  astern  :  the  ripples  that 
closed  over  the  body  were  visible,  while  some 
yards  down-stream  an  object  floated,  all  but 
submerged,  rapidly  borne  away  by  the  hurry- 
ing flood. 

The  lad  stood  irresolute  for  the  fraction 
of  a  second,  fear  of  the  treacherous  flood  tug- 
ging at  his  heart ;  then  overcoming  this  mo- 
mentary weakness,  he  turned  to  the  coxswain 
beside  him  : 

"  Go  down  to  leeward  and  pick  me  up,"  he 
ordered,  gathering  himself  together  and 
springing  far  out  into  the  dark  river. 

As  he  struck  out  boldly  sinister  stories  of 
the  enchanted  water  surged  back  to  him.  He 
had  heard  how  the  suction  from  the  muddy 
bottom  was  known  to  drag  to  their  death  even 
the  strongest  swimmers :  men  who  had 
missed  their  footing  while  stepping  into  boats 
alongside  their  own  ships  had  disappeared 
beneath  the  yellow  surface  never  to  rise  again. 
The  Chinese  superstition  was  that  a  dragon 


i8  A  UNITED  STATES 

lived  in  the  river  and  that  all  persons  who 
fell  into  his  home  were  drawn  to  the  bottom 
and  devoured  by  the  monster. 

Phil  struggled  manfully  against  these,  weird 
fancies,  yet  he  was  conscious  of  the  force  act- 
ing to  suck  his  body  down  while  he  exerted 
all  his  strength  to  keep  his  head  above  the 
engulfing  waters.  The  high-sided  junks 
flashed  by  him  as  he  swam  with  the  current 
toward  the  victim  struggling  despairingly  in 
the  embrace  of  the  river  dragon.  In  a  few 
moments  his  strong  strokes  had  brought  him 
alongside  the  drowning  man.  He  grasped 
the  man's  clothing  and  drew  him  closer,  seek- 
ing a  firmer  hold.  Avoiding  the  waving 
arms,  Phil's  hand  worked  its  way  along  the 
body  until  it  reached  his  head,  and  there  his 
fingers  closed  about  the  long  braided  cue  ; 
twisting  this  around  his  hand,  the  lad  swam 
out  toward  the  middle  of  the  river.  The 
Chinaman  struggled  violently,  striving  to 
grasp  Phil's  hand.  The  boy  saw  with  terror 
that  if  the  Chinaman  succeeded  they  would 
both  drown. 

"  Be  still  or  I'll  let  you  go !  "  he  com- 
manded, forgetting  in  his  anxiety  that  he  was 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  19 

talking  to  a  Chinaman,  but  nevertheless  the 
man  quieted  down  and  Phil's  hopes  rose. 

With  the  stinging  water  in  his  eyes,  he 
gazed  about  him  for  the  launch ;  he  could 
scarcely  see  ;  the  oppressive  darkness  seemed 
to  be  closing  in  about  him.  Then  out  of  the 
night  there  loomed  the  sides  of  many  junks, 
massed  in  tiers,  directly  in  the  path  of  the 
current  carrying  him.  This  new  and  terri- 
ble danger  filled  him  with  despair :  even  the 
strongest  swimmer  could  not  expect  to  sur- 
vive if  he  were  drawn  under  that  wooden 
wall  of  vessels  ;  if  he  were  not  crushed  be- 
tween their  huge  hulls  he  would  be  forced 
beneath  the  surface  for  so  long  a  time  that 
life  would  be  extinct  before  he  rose  again. 
His  one  chance  was  to  breast  the  tide,  swim- 
ming out  from  shore  in  the  hope  that  thus  he 
might  clear  the  outside  junk. 

The  hulls  seemed  ever  closer  and  the  lad's 
efforts  weaker.  The  Chinaman  was  a  dead 
weight  upon  him ;  if  he  abandoned  the 
man  he  could  save  himself.  Would  it  not  be 
just?  He  could  not  hope  to  save  both  him- 
self and  the  Chinaman,  therefore,  was  he  not 
obeying  the  first  law  of  nature  by  abandoning 


20  A  UNITED  STATES 

the  unfortunate  man  to  his  fate?  But  Phil, 
even  with  death  staring  him  in  the  face,  dis- 
missed these  unnerving  thoughts  from  his 
mind.  He  would  save  the  man  or  drown  in 
the  attempt!  As  he  swam  manfully  ahead, 
supporting  the  fully  conscious  but  terrified 
Chinaman,  and  casting  anxious  glances  be- 
hind him  at  the  fast  approaching  menace, 
his  heart  was  gladdened  at  the  sight  of  the 
launch  standing  in  boldly  between  him  and 
the  junks,  now  but  a  few  dozen  yards  away. 
Then  he  saw  the  boat  turn  slowly,  painfully, 
toward  him  in  the  grasp  of  the  cruel,  relent- 
less current  which  seemed  to  sweep  her  down 
under  the  yawning  whirlpool.  He  closed  his 
eyes  to  shut  out  the  sight.  If  the  launch 
failed  to  turn  inside  the  distance  she  would 
be  swept  under  the  mass  of  shipping  and  be 
capsized  ;  then  the  brave  men  who  had  fear- 
lessly taken  this  risk  to  save  him  would  all 
find  a  watery  grave  in  the  river. 

"  She  can't  make  it !  "  he  gasped  despair- 
ingly- 


CHAPTER  II 

AN    UNPLEASANT    ENCOUNTER 

PHIL  had  ceased  to  struggle ;  his  doom  was 
too  close  upon  him  to  hope  to  escape  it.  His 
one  chance  was  the  launch.  A  low  cry  of 
joy  burst  from  him  as  he  saw  her  turn  safely 
under  the  overhanging  bows  of  the  junks 
and  steam  swiftly  toward  him.  Yet  he  knew 
that  all  danger  had  not  passed  ;  the  current 
was  still  sweeping  him  down  while  the  boat 
must  keep  her  headway  else  she  would  be 
carried  back  under  the  shipping.  The  launch 
loomed  above  him  ;  he  saw  her  anxious  crew 
gathered  in  the  bow  ready  to  grasp  the  strug- 
gling men  as  they  were  swept  by  on  the  crest 
of  the  flood. 

He  was  conscious  of  strong  arms  about 
him,  and  the  next  moment  he  and  the  rescued 
Chinaman  were  safely  on  board  the  launch, 
while  she  was  steaming  at  full  speed  for  safety 
away  from  the  treacherous  shore. 
21 


22  A  UNITED  STATES 

After  the  rescued  Chinaman  had  been 
resuscitated,  and  Phil  had  recovered  from  his 
terrible  exertions,  he  ordered  the  coxswain  to 
land  at  the  foreign  concession.  The  China- 
man lay  on  the  deck  of  the  launch,  fully  alive 
but  not  showing  by  word  or  sign  his  gratitude 
to  the  midshipman  who  had  saved  his  life 
at  the  risk  of  his  own. 

As  the  boat  stopped  at  the  stone  steps  of 
the  jetty,  the  Chinaman  arose  unsteadily  to 
his  feet,  grasping  the  boy's  hand  in  both  of 
his,  then  without  a  word  stepped  quickly  out 
of  the  launch  and  was  lost  in  the  night. 

Phil  was  so  astonished  at  the  man's  action 
that  it  was  some  moments  before  he  realized 
that  a  ring  had  been  left  in  his  hand.  He 
examined  it  eagerly  in  the  dim  light  of  an 
oil  lantern  ;  what  was  his  surprise  to  find  that 
it  was  of  massive  carved  gold,  set  with  a  green 
jade  stone. 

As  the  launch  was  secured  alongside  of  the 
"  Phoenix's "  gangway,  Phil  stepped  to  the 
coxswain's  side  and  took  the  sailor's  rough 
hand  in  his  own,  much  to  the  embarrassment 
of  the  latter. 

"  Blake,"  the  lad  said  earnestly,  "  you  saved 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  23 

my  life,  and  you  did  it  as  coolly  as  if  you  had 
been  only  making  a  landing  alongside  the 
ship." 

"  It  was  nothing,  sir,"  the  coxswain  an- 
swered quickly,  his  face  beaming ;  "  but  to 
think  of  your  jumping  into  this  river  to  save 
a  Chink,"  he  added  admiringly. 

"  My  act  was  upon  impulse,"  Phil  declared 
earnestly,  "  and  took  no  real  nerve,  while  you 
deliberately  measured  your  chances  and  saw 
that  the  odds  were  dead  against  you  ;  one 
slip,  one  spoke  too  little  helm,  one  revolution 
too  few  with  the  engines,  and  you  and  your 
crew  would  have  been  swept  underneath  that 
mass  of  junks,  and  knowing  this  you  took  the 
chance  and  had  the  nerve  and  grit  to  steer 
your  boat  cleverly  to  safety  and  me  with  her. 
My  act  is  insignificant  beside  yours." 

Leaving  the  coxswain  still  wondering  at  his 
words  of  praise,  Phil  reported  his  return  and 
went  at  once  to  his  room  for  dry  clothes. 
Although  the  hour  was  early,  and  there  were 
many  things  over  which  he  would  have  liked 
to  talk  with  Sydney  and  their  new  friend 
Langdon,  when  once  in  dry,  warm  clothes  he 
found  his  exertions  of  the  past  hour  had 


24  A  UNITED  STATES 

sapped  his  strength,  and  he  was  soon  fast 
asleep.  Nor  did  he  awake  until  the  sun  was 
streaming  in  through  his  port-hole. 

Turning  out  promptly,  and  making  a  hasty 
toilet,  he  was  soon  in  the  mess-room,  where 
he  found  the  full  mess  at  breakfast,  and  all 
discussing  the  seriousness  of  the  present  crisis. 

As  he  put  his  hands  on  the  table  the 
brightness  of  the  ring  the  Chinaman  had 
given  him  startled  him  ;  the  deep  green  of 
the  stone  stood  out  clearly  against  the  white 
tablecloth.  Langdon,  sitting  beside  him, 
espied  it  immediately  and  grasped  the  boy's 
hand,  examining  the  ring  closely. 

" Royal  jade ! "  the  pilot  exclaimed.  "Where 
did  you  get  it  ?  That's  one  of  the  finest  stones 
I've  seen  in  years." 

Phil  felt  abashed,  not  wishing  to  relate  his 
experience  before  the  mess. 

"  I'll  tell  you  later,"  he  whispered,  with- 
drawing his  hand  before  the  attention  of  the 
rest  of  the  mess  could  be  attracted.  Then 
turning  to  the  executive  officer,  presiding 
at  the  head  of  the  mess-table,  he  asked  anx- 
iously : 

"  Is  there  any  news,  sir,  about  sending  the 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  25 

guard  to  the  legation  ?  If  it  is  going  I  should 
like  to  be  allowed  to  go  in  the  detail." 

Sydney  hastened  to  add  his  plea  to  go 
along  also,  and  Mr.  Webster's  face  broadened 
in  an  amused  smile  as  he  watched  the  eager 
faces  of  the  midshipmen. 

"  I  can  tell  you,"  he  replied  heartily,  "  that 
you  are  both  in  the  detail,  so  you  may  rest 
easy.  I  for  one  hope  there  will  be  no 
necessity  for  the  expedition.  China  is  a 
dangerous  country  when  once  aroused." 
Then,  turning  to  Phil,  whose  joy  showed 
plainly  in  his  face,  while  his  pulses  beat 
faster,  he  added  : 

"  What's  this  we  hear  about  your  rescuing 
a  Chinaman  from  drowning  last  night?  It's 
all  about  the  ship  forward,  yet  aft  here  we're 
the  last  to  hear  of  it." 

Phil  colored  painfully  while  he  outlined 
the  episode  of  the  river ;  he  said  but  little 
of  his  part,  but  praised  unstintingly  the  cool- 
ness and  courage  of  the  coxswain  of  the  launch. 

"  Coxswain  Blake  belittles  his  own  part 
as  much  as  you  praise  it,"  Mr.  Webster  re- 
marked kindly,  as  the  officers  rose  from  the 
breakfast  table. 


26  A  UNITED  STATES 

In  Phil's  room  after  breakfast,  Langdon 
examined  the  ring  closely  in  hopes  of  dis- 
covering a  clew  to'*  the  identity  of  the 
owner. 

"  There's  nothing  here  to  tell,"  the  pilot 
announced  after  careful  scrutiny,  handing 
the  ring  back  to  the  midshipman  ;  "  it's  of 
great  value  among  the  Chinese  ;  undoubtedly 
the  man  was  rich  and  he  left  with  you  the 
only  article  of  value  he  was  then  wearing. 
The  Chinese  are  a  queer  lot ;  their  supersti- 
tions will  not  allow  them  to  save  a  fellow- 
being  from  drowning,  but  when  they  them- 
selves are  saved  by  a  foreigner  they  will  at 
once  put  aside  the  obligation  by  giving  their 
rescuer  a  costly  gift.  Your  Chinaman  doubt- 
less considers  his  debt  is  paid." 

After  breakfast  was  over  the  midshipmen 
asked  and  received  permission  to  visit  the 
foreign  concession. 

"  You  must  go  in  uniform,"  Lieutenant 
Webster  replied  to  their  request,  "  and  the 
captain's  positive  orders  are  not  to  enter  the 
Chinese  city." 

The  lads  quickly  agreed  to  keep  to  this 
rule,  and  a  half  hour  later  the  "  Phoenix's  " 


MIDSHIPiMAN  IN  CHINA  27 

steam  launch  landed  them  on  the  stone  jetty 
abreast  the  ship. 

Here  they  were  immediately  surrounded 
by  a  score  of  Chinese  ricksha  coolies,  each  one 
anxious  to  enlist  their  patronage  in  engaging 
a  jinricksha,  which  is  the  customary  convey- 
ance of  the  far  Eastern  countries.  The  lads 
were  soon  seated  each  in  one  of  these  miniature 
carriages  ;  and  the  coolies  in  the  shafts  darted 
off  at  a  lively  pace  down  the  smooth  macad- 
amized roadbed  of  the  Bund.  , 

"Where  shall  we  go  first?"  Sydney  ques- 
tioned, raising  his  voice  so  as  to  be  heard 
above  the  rattle  of  the  wheels. 

Phil  shook  his  head  in  sign  of  perfect  in- 
difference. The  sensation  of  riding  in  one  of 
these  novel  carriages  for  the  first  time  was 
distinctly  pleasant.  He  felt  half  exhilarated 
and  half  ridiculous.  However,  before  they 
had  traveled  a  block,  he  lost  his  feeling  that 
every  one  was  looking  at  him,  a  grown  man 
riding  in  a  baby  carriage,  and  began  to  thor- 
oughly enjoy  the  situation.  The  throngs  on 
the  streets  interested  him,  and  the  color 
scheme  pleased  his  eye ;  the  gayly  dressed  na- 
tives sprinkled  here  and  there  with  the 


28  A  UNITED  STATES 

more  sombre  garb  of  the  Europeans  or  Ameri- 
cans. 

"  I  don't  care,"  he  answered  as  Sydney  re- 
peated his  question.  "  Let  them  take  us 
wherever  they  will.  Later,  though,  I  want 
to  go  to  the  bank  and  buy  a  draft  to  send 
home. 

"  Here  we  are,"  he  added  suddenly,  mak- 
ing energetic  efforts  to  stop  his  own  ricksha 
in  its  mad  career,  as  he  espied  the  sign  on  a 
great  stone  building  :  "  Hongkong  Bank." 

The  lads  alighting,  bidding  by  sign  their 
rickshas  to  wait,  entered  the  wide  doorway  of 
the  bank. 

Here  they  met  scores  of  Chinamen  pouring 
continually  in  and  out,  depositing  or  draw- 
ing out  great  sacks  of  Mexican  dollars,  the 
token  currency  of  China.  Behind  the  coun- 
ters, although  the  bank  was  owned  by  an 
English  corporation,  Phil  saw  only  Chinese. 
Millions  of  dollars  daily  passed  through  their 
hands. 

Leaving  Sydney  gazing  interestedly  at  the 
scenes  of  activity,  Phil  moved  over  to  a  desk 
upon  which  were  paper  and  ink  laid  out  for 
the  bank  customers.  As  he  drew  near,  he 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  29 

took  casual  note  of  a  foreigner  standing  with 
his  back  toward  the  door,  engaged  appar- 
ently in  writing.  At  the  man's  feet  he  saw  a 
neatly  folded  paper  lying.  Apparently  it  had 
just  been  dropped  from  the  foreigner's  pocket. 
Stooping  down,  Phil  picked  it  up,  hastily 
glancing  over  it  to  see  if  it  was  of  sufficient 
consequence  to  ask  the  stranger  if  it  were  his. 
He  had  barely  time  to  note  that  the  writing 
was  in  English  when  it  was  roughly  seized 
from  his  hand,  and  looking  up  in  surprise,  he 
found  himself  confronted  by  an  angry,  excited 
face,  whose  dark,  piercing  eyes  snapped  with 
uncontrolled  passion.  The  stranger  thrust 
the  letter  into  his  pocket  with  one  hand, 
while  the  other  was  closely  clenched  as  if  he 
were  about  to  strike  down  the  innocent  of- 
fender. 

"  What  do  you  mean  by  trying  to  read  my 
letter?"  the  foreigner  cried  in  a  voice  full  of 
wrath. 

The  blood  mounted  to  Phil's  forehead  as 
he  returned  unflinchingly  the  stranger's  wild 
look.  He  was  about  to  answer  an  apology 
when  the  foreigner's  cutting  voice  stayed  him. 

"  Just   like   you   officious  Americans,"  the 


3o  A  UNITED  STATES 

stranger  exclaimed,  surveying  the  neat  blue 
uniform  of  the  American  midshipman ; 
"  always  meddling  in  some  one  else's  affairs." 

"  What's  the  trouble,  Phil  ?  "  Sydney  asked 
in  alarm,  hastening  to  his  friend's  side,  upon 
seeing  the  look  on  Phil's  face  and  the  mena- 
cing attitude  of  the  other. 

By  an  effort  Phil  controlled  himself.  His 
first  thought  was  then  and  there  to  settle  ac- 
counts with  this  infuriated  man  ;  but  wiser 
counsel  prevailed. 

"  I  did  not  read  your  letter,"  he  retorted  in  a 
dignified  voice.  "  I  wished  only  to  see  if  it 
was  of  any  consequence  in  order  to  restore  it 
to  its  owner."  Then  realizing  that  his  concil- 
iating answer  had  not  changed  the  attitude 
of  the  stranger,  he  added  in  a  voice  of  self- 
contained  anger : 

"  If  you  got  what  you  deserved,  it  would  be  a 
sound  thrashing  for  your  slanderous  tongue." 

The  foreigner,  hearing  the  lad's  just  rebuke, 
and  seeing  by  his  muscular  frame  that  he  was 
capable  of  carrying  his  implied  threat  into 
execution,  shrugged  his  shoulders  eloquently, 
pocketed  his  papers  and  walked  sullenly  to- 
ward the  door  of  the  bank. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  31 

Phil  stood  his  ground,  his  eyes  defiantly 
following  the  stranger  until  the  swinging 
doors  closed  behind  him. 

Sydney  was  told  of  the  cause  of  the  unex- 
pected dispute  and  was  eager  to  follow  the 
foreigner  and  demand  an  apology,  but  Phil 
only  laughed. 

"  I  got  in  the  last  word  ;  that's  something," 
he  said,  as  he  quietly  wrote  out  his  order  for 
the  draft.  "  I  wonder  who  he  is.  By  his 
accent  I  should  say  he  was  of  a  Latin  race. 
He  spoke  to  me  in  good  English,  though." 

"  Do  you  suppose  he  is  a  naval  officer  from 
a  foreign  gunboat?"  Sydney  asked  by  way 
of  an  answer. 

"No;  he's  probably  some  beach-comber," 
Phil  answered  testily,  taking  his  paper  to  the 
cashier's  desk.  "And  as  far  as  I  am  con- 
cerned I  don't  care  who  he  is.  He's  not  of 
sufficient  importance  to  give  him  any  more 
attention,"  he  added,  shutting  his  firm  jaws 
with  a  snap  in  dismissing  the  unpleasant  in- 
cident. 

"  Come  on,"  he  said.  "  Let's  forget  him. 
There  are  lots  of  things  here  more  amus- 
ing." 


CHAPTER  III 

THE    PERIL    AT    THE    MISSION    GATE 

UPON  their  return  on  board  the  "  Phoenix," 
the  midshipmen  found  all  was  activity.  A 
message  had  been  received  from  Emmons 
which  had  decided  Commander  Hughes  to 
wait  no  longer  before  sending  the  guard  to 
protect  the  defenseless  mission  on  the  hill 
some  miles  from  the  town.  Persistent  rumors 
were  current  that  the  Chinese  outlaws  would 
very  soon  make  an  effort  to  efface  this 
heathen  blot  of  stone  from  their  sacred  soil. 

In  the  course  of  a  half  hour  all  was  in 
readiness  to  embark  the  guard.  Tents,  rations, 
Colt  gun  and  rifles  were  carried  into  the  wait- 
ing boats,  and  in  a  few  minutes  more  the 
small  party  of  officers  and  men  found  them- 
selves on  the  stone  jetty,  immediate!}7  in  front 
of  the  Chinese  city.  Under  the  eyes  of  a 
quickly-gathered,  curious  crowd  of  Chinese, 
the  sailors  formed  and  marched  along  the 
32 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  33 

road  skirting  the  fortified  wall  of  the  city. 
After  some  miles  had  been  covered,  the  great 
buildings  of  the  mission  came  in  sight,  and 
soon  after  they  were  admitted  within  the 
walled  compound  by  the  anxious  missionaries, 
whose  dread  of  Chinese  cruelty  had  been 
acquired  through, long  residence  among  these 
fanatical  people.  Many  of  their  number  they 
had  seen  sacrificed  by  the  lawless  element  of 
a  superstitious  and  conservative  race,  whom 
they  had  come  thousands  of  miles  to  civilize 
according  to  their  Western  standards. 

The  sailor  sentinels  were  quickly  stationed 
at  the  four  corners  of  the  walled  compound, 
and  the  peaceful  mission  was  soon  transformed 
into  a  warlike  fortress. 

"  What  do  you  think  of  all  this  ?  "  inquired 
Phil  of  the  pilot  after  the  lads  had  finished 
their  duties  of  preparing  for  the  defense. 

"  I  think,"  answered  Langdon,  a  grim  smile 
on  his  face,  "  that  these  missionaries  are  wise 
to  build  their  houses  inside  of  a  stone  fort. 
The  only  way  to  succeed  in  civilizing  the 
Chinese  is  to  make  sure  that  they  don't  kill 
you  before  you've  had  a  chance  to  show  them 
the  benefits  of  our  methods." 


34  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  But  I  mean,"  urged  Phil,  "  do  you  be- 
lieve that  there's  going  to  be  trouble  ?  " 

"  I've  seen  a  great  number  of  these 
threatened  uprisings,"  replied  Langdon 
thoughtfully,  "  come  to  nothing  for  the  want 
of  a  leader  with  energy  enough  to  keep  alive 
the  spark  of  fanaticism  ;  I  hope  this  one  will 
follow  in  their  footsteps,  for  if  the  Chinese 
ever  awaken  to  the  knowledge  of  their  power, 
our  small  force  of  ships  and  men  could  never 
stem  the  rising  flood. 

"  Do  you  see  the  forts  over  yonder  ?  "  he  con- 
tinued, pointing  to  the  numerous  heavy  gun 
emplacements  on  the  heights  below  the  city ; 
"  those  batteries  command  the  anchorage  oc- 
cupied by  the  allied  fleet,  and  their  garrisons 
are  now  wavering  between  their  loyalty  to  the 
government  at  Peking,  and  their  families  and 
friends  taking  an  active  part  in  the  intrigues 
against  the  lives  of  the  foreigners.  If  those 
guns  were  turned  against  us,  our  position  here 
would  indeed  be  a  serious  one." 

The  two  midshipmen,  listening  to  the 
words  of  one  who  had  lived  ten  years  among 
the  Chinese,  felt  their  hearts  beat  faster : 
secretly  they  were  glad  that  their  cruise  in 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  35 

the  Orient  was  likely  to  be  fraught  with  grave 
dangers. 

The  missionaries  and  their  numerous 
Chinese  converts  inside  the  walled  mission 
were  once  more  at  ease ;  they  believed  that 
all  danger  was  past :  the  Chinese  had  never 
attacked  a  mission  so  strongly  defended  by  the 
rifles  of  the  hated  but  much  feared  foreign 
sailors. 

The  hot  day  came  to  an  end,  and  the  night 
wind  from  the  distant  mountains  brought  to 
the  anxious  ones  a  desire  for  sleep  which  they 
had  not  felt  for  days. 

Phil  and  Sydney  lay  awake  long  after  the 
mission  was  wrapt  in  slumber.  They  had 
talked  over  the  situation  very  thoroughly, 
the  views  of  Langdon  having  made  a  deep 
impression  on  their  minds.  There  certainly 
was  a  danger !  Could  the  Chinese  troops  be 
depended  upon  to  withstand  the  bribes  of  the 
lawless  ones? 

Sydney's  even  breathing,  at  last,  showing 
that  he  had  fallen  off  to  sleep,  cut  short 
further  conversation  between  them  ;  while 
Phil,  casting  an  annoyed  glance  at  the  uncon- 
cerned sleeper  on  the  adjoining  cot,  arose  and 


36  A  UNITED  STATES 

silently  left  the  tent ;  he  was  far  from  asleep 
and,  being  the  officer  of  the  guard  for  the 
night,  determined  to  make  an  inspection  of  the 
sentries. 

The  night  was  dark  save  for  the  dim  light 
shed  by  the  crescent  moon  low  in  the  western 
sky.  Ascending  the  mission  stairs,  he  stepped 
out  on  the  broad  top  of  the  high  barrier  of 
brick  and  mortar  and  walked  down  the  wall. 
A  sentry  was  posted  at  the  near  corner  of  the 
quadrangle. 

"  Is  everything  all  right  ?  "  he  asked  quietly. 

"  Yes,  sir,  but  I  seen  a  bunch  of  Chinese  up 
there  near  the  gate  a  few  minutes  before  you 
come,"  the  sailor  made  answer.  "  I  hollered 
at  'em,  and  they  ain't  stopped  runnin'  yet. 

"  What  can  I  do  if  they  don't  run  ? "  he 
added,  questioningly. 

"Nothing;  just  call  the  sergeant  of  the 
guard,"  replied  Phil  quickly.  "  On  your  life 
don't  shoot  without  orders." 

"If  a  Chink  shoots  at  me,  sir,  can't  I  fire 
back  ? "  the  sailor  asked,  casting  an  appre- 
hensive glance  into  the  darkness  outside  of 
the  compound. 

Lieutenant  Wilson  had  instructed  the  mid- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  37 

shipmen  to  make  certain  that  the  sentries  did 
not  fire  first :  the  viceroy  of  the  province  was 
believed  to  be  striving  to  hold  the  malcontents 
in  check,  but  an  untimely  shot  might  precipi- 
tate hostilities. 

"  If  you  are  fired  upon,"  Phil  ordered,  "  fire 
your  piece  and  arouse  the  garrison,  but  don't 
shoot  unnecessarily." 

"  Aye,  aye,  sir,"  the  sailor  answered,  as  the 
midshipman  drew  away  up  the  wall  to  visit 
the  next  sentry. 

While  Phil  was  crossing  the  stone  archway 
over  the  heavily-barred  iron  gate,  the  main 
entrance  into  the  mission,  he  was  attracted  by 
a  dark  object  on  the  ground  below  him,  close 
up  to  the  metal  doors. 

A  closer  look  filled  the  boy's  thoughts  with 
an  unknown  dread.  The  object  appeared 
harmless  enough,  and  yet  why  was  it  there 
against  the  gate  of  the  mission?  Phil  saw 
now  that  it  was  a  large  box,  outlined  dimly  in 
the  shadow  of  the  archway. 

He  peered  about  him  uncertainly.  He 
could  see  the  two  lookouts  at  the  wall's  cor- 
ners ;  they  were  alert  and  yet  in  ignorance  of 
the  danger  at  the  mission  gate.  The  midship- 


38  A  UNITED  STATES 

man's  thoughts  dwelt  on  the  information 
given  by  the  sentry  with  whom  he  had  just 
spoken :  there  had  been  some  Chinamen  at 
the  gate  but  a  few  moments  ago !  Was  this 
box  harmless  or  did  its  presence  there  foretell 
a  warlike  design  against  the  hundreds  of  non- 
combatants,  women  and  children,  now  under 
the  protection  of  the  American  sailors? 

His  startled  gaze  traveled  over  the  gloomy 
expanse  of  surrounding  country  outside  of  the 
high  wall  :  the  shadowy  mounds,  graves  of 
departed  Chinese,  dotting  the  grassy  slopes 
about  the  compound  might  be  now  concealing 
an  armed  force  of  attacking  fanatics ;  beyond 
the  graves  it  rested  for  a  moment  on  the  low 
mud  walls  of  abandoned  houses,  believed  by 
their  owners  to  be  forever  polluted  by  the  close 
presence  of  the  despised  foreigners.  Down  on  a 
lower  level  the  high  walled  city  lay  sleeping  ; 
the  closely  packed  roofs  resembling  a  continu- 
ous floor,  upon  which  fell  the  dim  light  of  the 
waning  moon  ;  then  again  it  descended  to  the 
silent  waters  of  the  river,  the  towering  pagodas 
along  its  banks  standing  like  guardian  senti- 
nels, with  the  anchored  ships  a  phantom  fleet 
upon  its  dark  surface. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  39 

A  spark-like  glint  below  him  caught  his 
eye,  and  its  ominous  message  sent  the  blood 
from  his  heart.  With  every  faculty  alert  Phil 
threw  himself  at  full  length  on  the  wall  and 
peered  anxiously  below  into  the  deeper  shadow 
of  the  gateway :  a  sputtering  spark  but  a  few 
feet  away  from  the  box  told  only  too  plainly 
its  terrible  mission  :  there  was  an  explosive 
against  the  gates,  and  the  crawling  point  of 
fire  was  the  live  end  of  the  slow-match,  surely 
and  deliberately  burning  its  way  toward  the 
captive  force  that  would,  in  a  fraction  of  a 
minute,  hurl  the  powerful  gates  asunder,  thus 
letting  in  the  ambushing  Chinese,  doubtless 
watching  and  waiting,  concealed  in  the  misty 
shadows. 

The  lad's  heart  stood  still  as  it  flashed  upon 
him  what  his  duty  demanded  of  him.  If  he 
were  a  second  too  late  he  would  be  blown  to 
pieces  and  yet  the  gates  would  be  shattered 
and  useless  to  protect  the  mission.  His  mind 
was  made  up  quickly  :  he  must  first  warn  the 
garrison  and  then  quench  the  fatal  spark 
twenty  feet  below  him. 

"  Turn  out  the  guard  !  "  he  cried  loudly  ; 
then  as  he  heard  the  startled  sentries  repeat 


4o  A  UNITED  STATES 

his  words,  he  dropped  silently  to  the  ground 
on  the  outside  of  the  compound  and  grasped 
the  lighted  end  of  the  fuse  between  his  fingers, 
but  a  few  inches  from  its  awful  goal. 

He  heard  the  startled  cries  of  his  companions 
awakened  from  their  sleep  by  the  alarming 
summons ;  the  rattle  of  rifles  and  accoutre- 
ments as  the  sailors  hastened  to  their  stations 
on  the  wall.  The  reaction  had  now  set  in ; 
the  boy's  limbs  seemed  about  to  fail  him. 
Almost  unstrung  he  clung  to  the  box  while 
he  collected  his  scattered  thoughts.  If  the 
box  remained  there  the  enemy  might  yet  suc- 
ceed in  exploding  its  contents  against  the  gate. 

With  his  body  pressed  close  to  the  torpedo, 
and  in  its  deeper  shadow,  his  ear  detected  a 
sound  near  him  in  the  grass  at  the  edge  of  the 
road.  Suddenly  a  figure  darted  forward 
across  the  archway  and  stopped  on  the  other 
side  of  the  box,  fumbling  with  its  top,  as  if  to 
relight  the  fuse.  Phil  held  his  breath  as  he 
reached  forth  his  hand  and  clutched  the  wrist 
of  the  intruder.  Drawing  the  surprised  man, 
with  all  his  force,  across  the  box,  he  threw 
him  to  the  ground.  A  cry  escaped  the 
captive  as  he  felt  the  strong  arms  of  the 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  41 

midshipman  enfold  him,  smothering  him  to 
the  earth. 

The  two  bodies  heaved  and  strained ;  the 
efforts  of  the  Chinaman  became  visibly  weaker, 
and  finally  Phil  cast  the  insensible  form  from 
him. 

"  Who  goes  there  ?  "  in  excited  tones  from 
above  him  showed  him  that  aid  was  near.  A 
sailor  peered  over  the  wall  immediately 
above  the  lad's  head,  his  menacing  rifle 
covering  the  exhausted  boy. 

"  It's  Midshipman  Perry,  the  officer  of  the 
guard,"  he  whispered  hoarsely  ;  "  heave  me  a 
line,  quick !  Keep  the  gate  closed !  The 
place  is  full  of  Chinese  !  " 

A  rope  dangled  down  from  a  corner  of  the 
archway  and  Phil,  grasping  its  end,  quickly 
made  it  fast  around  the  box,  giving  the  signal 
to  hoist. 

"  Be  careful,  that's  powder,"  he  cautioned  ; 
"  send  the  end  back  for  me.  Hurry,"  he 
added,  casting  a  fearsome  look  into  the 
shadows  behind  him. 

With  the  end  of  the  rope  in  his  hand  he 
stooped  down  to  tie  it  about  the  body  of  his 
captive  ;  when,  without  a  moment's  warning, 


42  A  UNITED  STATES 

he  felt  a  stinging  blow  in  the  face,  that  sent 
him  reeling  to  the  wall.  He  clutched  wildly 
at  the  offender,  now  on  his  feet  and  struggling 
madly  to  free  himself  from  the  terrifying  em- 
brace of  the  midshipman.  The  fully  re- 
covered celestial  fought  with  the  strength 
of  despair,  uttering  piercing  shrieks  which 
seemed  to  be  answered  from  the  surrounding 
darkness. 

Suddenly  Phil  was  wrenched  nearly  off  his 
feet,  and  then  fell  backward  against  the  wall, 
the  torn  coat  of  the  man  in  his  hands, 
while  the  escaping  prisoner  melted  into  the 
night. 

Hand  over  hand,  up  the  rope,  it  was  but 
the  work  of  a  second  to  the  top  of  the  wall, 
and  there  he  found  an  anxious  group  of 
officers  and  men  who  had  watched,  with  bated 
breath,  the  struggle  below  them. 

Phil  explained  the  circumstances  at  once 
to  Lieutenant  Wilson. 

"  I  feel  sure  they're  concealed  all  about 
here,"  he  ended  excitedly.  "  I  heard  answers 
to  the  man's  cries." 

Lieutenant  Wilson  turned  to  Langdon,  who 
had  been  an  eager  listener. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  43 

"Is  it  an  attack,  Langdon  ? "  he  asked 
anxiously. 

Langdon  shook  his  head,  much  mystified, 
then  the  garment  in  Phil's  hand  caught  hia 
eye.  He  took  it  from  the  lad  in  silence  and 
carried  it  down  from  the  wall,  entering  the 
small  gate-house  inside  the  compound. 

"  Keep  a  strict  watch,  Mr.  Monroe,"  the 
lieutenant  ordered,  motioning  Phil  to  follow 
him,  and  together  they  entered  the  room 
where  Langdon  was  carefully  examining  the 
garment. 

It  was  a  blue  tunic,  plain  save  for  a  white 
border  and  a  number  of  Chinese  written  char- 
acters on  its  back.  It  was  this  lettering  that 
Langdon  was  studying. 

"  Viceroy  Chang-Li-Hun,"  he  read  slowly 
aloud.  Then  he  glanced  up,  a  worried  ex- 
pression on  his  usually  calm  face. 

"  Mr.  Wilson,"  he  said,  "  it's  serious  ;  we've 
the  viceroy's  soldiers  against  us." 


CHAPTER  IV 

THE    EMBASSY    TO    THE    VICEROY 

IF  the  man  with  whom  Phil  had  fought 
was  a  soldier  of  the  viceroy,  it  was  indeed 
convincing  evidence  that  the  outlaws  were 
receiving  aid  of  the  official  class.  Lieutenant 
Wilson  at  once  saw  the  seriousness  of  the 
situation  for  all  foreigners  living  within  the 
provinces  under  the  jurisdiction  of  Viceroy 
Chang-Li-Hun.  The  American  naval  man 
knew  that  his  duty  required  him  to  place  this 
information  in  the  hands  of  his  commanding 
officer  on  board  the  "  Phoenix"  immediately,  in 
order  that  all  the  foreign  powers  represented 
might  know  that  the  threatened  uprising  was 
no  longer  one  of  unorganized,  misguided 
coolies  or  working  men,  but  was  at  the  in- 
stigation of  the  powerful  mandarins,  receiving 
their  instructions,  no  doubt,  directly  from  the 
viceroy  himself.  Did  he  dare  take  the  risk 
of  sending  messengers  out  of  the  mission  at 
this  time  when  the  enemy  were  doubtless 
44 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  45 

gathered  about  the  walls  of  the  compound, 
perhaps  even  now  making  up  their  minds  to 
attack  the  defending  garrison  ?  Yet  in  the 
morning  affairs  might  have  grown  even  worse  : 
the  morrow's  sun  might  see  the  mission  be- 
sieged, and  every  outlet  barred. 

"  Langdon,"  Lieutenant  Wilson  questioned, 
after  an  impressive  silence,  while  his  com- 
panions waited,  looking  to  him  to  give  the 
orders  which  each  felt  the  terrible  develop- 
ments demanded,  "  are  you  sure  that  you 
have  read  these  characters  correctly?  We 
must  not  alarm  the  foreigners  unnecessarily. 
Might  not  this  garment  have  been  worn  by 
a  discharged  soldier  ?  Are  we  safe  in  assum- 
ing that  the  viceroy  is  back  of  this  attempt 
on  the  gate  because  one  of  the  culprits  wears 
his  uniform  ?  " 

"  It  is  possible,  sir,"  Langdon  answered 
thoughtfully,  "  but  I  believe  improbable. 
This  plan  is  not  one  that  could  be  conceived 
by  a  stupidly  ignorant  coolie  mob  ;  you  can 
see  for  yourself  it  must  have  been  devised  by 
those  who  have  some  knowledge  of  the  use 
of  explosives ;  and  knowing  as  they  must 
that  the  mission  is  being  guarded  by  American 


46  A  UNITED  STATES 

sailors,  it  was  intended  as  an  affront  to  the 
nation  that  they  represent." 

"  I  believe  you  are  right,  Langdon,"  the 
lieutenant  agreed  promptly.  "  I  shall  act 
upon  your  judgment;  your  knowledge  of  the 
Chinese  should  make  your  reasoning  sound." 
Then  he  turned  to  the  expectant  midshipmen  : 
"  Mr.  Perry,  this  news  must  be  taken  to 
Captain  Hughes  to-night ;  I  offer  you  the 
chance  to  go  ;  your  right  to  be  chosen  can't 
be  disputed  :  your  discovery  of  the  viceroy's 
treachery  and  }rour  heroic  conduct  in  frustrat- 
ing his  design  has  won  you  the  privilege." 

Phil  flushed  with  pleasure  at  his  senior's 
words  of  praise,  while  he  stammered  out  his 
readiness  to  undertake  the  hazardous  enter- 
prise. Asking  that  Sydney  accompany  him 
he  received  a  ready  assent. 

"Can  you  spare  me,  too,  sir?"  Langdon 
asked  earnestly.  "  I  know  every  foot  of  the 
land  about  here  ;  I've  shot  pheasant  all  over 
these  hills,  and  understanding  the  language, 
may  be  a  help  to  Mr.  Perry  if  he  should  be 
stopped  by  the  natives." 

"  Yes,  certainly,"  the  lieutenant  replied 
quickly,  his  face  showing  his  appreciation  of 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  47 

the  pilot's  offer.  "  I  couldn't  order  you,  but 
your  desire  to  go  speaks  highly  of  your  cour- 
age. It  is  our  duty,  as  naval  men,  to  expose 
ourselves  to  danger." 

"It's  bred  in  me,  too,  sir,"  Langdon 
answered.  "  I  served  with  the  flag  during  my 
boyhood,  and  am  ever  ready  to  sacrifice  all  I 
have  for  it." 

"  I  shall  not  encumber  you  with  useless 
messages,"  Lieutenant  Wilson  said  finally  to 
Phil  as  he  turned  to  leave  the  gate-house  and 
return  to  the  wall ;  "  you  know  the  situation 
and  can  explain  our  fears  to  Captain  Hughes." 

The  midshipmen  and  the  pilot  went  to  pre- 
pare themselves  for  their  journey,  while  their 
senior  ascended  the  wall  to  dispose  his  small 
force  in  order  to  guard  all  approaches  and 
prevent  a  surprise.  There  would  be  few  eyes 
closed  in  sleep  that  night ;  the  gravity  of  the 
situation  was  fully  impressed  on  even  the 
sailors  accustomed  as  they  were  to  danger. 

Hastily  arming  themselves  with  a  pair  of 
revolvers  each  and  with  plenty  of  ammuni- 
tion, the  three  volunteers  again  ascended  the 
wall. 

The   moon  had  set  and  the  land  about  the 


48  A  UNITED  STATES 

mission  was  veiled  in  darkness.  The  men 
moved  slowly  along  the  wall  of  the  compound, 
while  Langdon's  keen  eyes  peered  into  the 
night  to  discover  the  best  location  to  leave 
the  mission.  They  had  traversed  nearly  half 
of  the  wall  and  were  at  the  far  end  of  the 
compound  before  the  pilot  seemed  satisfied 
that  the  way  was  clear.  He  put  out  his  hand 
and  touched  Phil  on  the  shoulder. 

"We'll  leave  from  here,"  he  whispered; 
"  the  Chinese,  if  they  are  about,  are  all  in 
the  front.  See  ;  the  land  is  clearer  ;  there  are 
not  so  many  graves  as  in  the  front  to  conceal 
an  enemy." 

Throwing  themselves  down  on  top  of  the 
wall  they  grasped  its  edge,  and  lowered  them- 
selves silently  to  the  ground.  Langdon  led 
the  way  directly  from  the  mission,  and 
further  into  the  country.  The  land  here  was 
but  slightly  cultivated,  the  ground  firm  and 
for  the  most  part  clear,  so  our  travelers  swung 
along  at  a  lively  pace. 

Having  covered  about  a  mile,  Langdon 
stopped  to  allow  his  companions  to  join 
him. 

"  This  is  the  main  road  leading  into  the 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  49 

city,"  the  pilot  informed  them  as  they  arrived 
at  the  narrow  path  in  which  the  speaker  was 
standing.  "  We'll  follow  this  right  into  the 
foreign  concession  ;  it's  late,  past  ten  o'clock, 
and  there'll  be  no  natives  on  the  road.  It's 
our  safest  course." 

Phil  nodded  in  sign  of  assent,  his  eyes  on 
the  Chinese  road. 

"  A  road,  did  you  say,  Langdon?  "  the  boy 
asked  ;  "  it's  more  like  a  bridle-path." 

"  It's  the  only  kind  of  road  you'll  find  in 
the  Chinese  Empire,"  the  pilot  replied  as 
they  moved  swiftly  over  its  uneven  surface ; 
"  the  natives  don't  use  carriages  and  coaches 
for  passengers,  nor  wagons  to  carry  their 
freight,  but  transport  their  merchandise  in 
wheelbarrows  or  on  the  backs  of  the  small 
Tartar  donkeys.  In  the  north  the  Manchus 
have  a  rickety  cart  drawn  by  man  power  or 
by  pony  and  there  the  highways  are  wider, 
but  are  even  less  smooth,  for  the  natives 
never  repair  their  roads." 

They  had  traveled  another  mile  when 
Langdon  called  a  halt  and  cautioning  silence 
pointed  to  a  grove  of  trees  ahead  of  them. 

"  A  village,"  he  answered  the  questioning 


50  A  UNITED  STATES 

looks  of  his  companions;  "  we'll  leave  the  road 
and  circle  it.  The  wind  is  from  the  river,  so 
I  hope  the  dogs  which  inhabit  these  small 
towns  will  not  smell  us.  These  Chinese  curs 
have  a  keen  nose  for  a  foreigner  and  if  our 
enemy  is  about  they  might  warn  him  of  our 
presence." 

As  they  skirted  the  village  Sydney  glanced 
with  interest  down  into  the  mean  and  ill-smell- 
ing collection  of  mud-walled  hovels,  situated 
below  the  level  of  the  surrounding  country. 
He  had  heard  that  this  location  was  chosen  to 
protect  its  occupants  from  the  blasts  of  the  win- 
ter gales,  and  in  consequence  during  the  wet 
season  the  floods  from  the  heavy  and  pro- 
longed rains  swept  down  upon  them,  carrying 
off  bodily  their  insecure  buildings  and  fre- 
quently drowning  many  of  the  unfortunate  in- 
habitants. 

"  Will  the  Chinese  ever  learn  to  build  their 
villages  in  a  common-sense  way  ?  "  he  asked 
the  pilot. 

"  They've  done  the  same  thing  for  twenty 
centuries,"  Langdon  answered,  following  Syd- 
ney's gaze  ;  "  what  was  good  enough  for  their 
ancestors  is  good  enough  for  them,  is  their 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  51 

motto,  and  nothing  that  we  can  say  will  ever 
move  them.  After  you've  been  here  for  a  few 
years,  Mr.  Monroe,  you'll  cease  wondering  at 
anything  you  see  the  Chinese  do." 

Suddenly  the  lads  felt  themselves  grasped 
by  the  strong  hands  of  Langdon  and  drawn 
down  into  the  thick  grass.  The  silence  was 
broken  by  a  faint  sound  of  voices  that  seemed 
to  come  from  directly  below  them.  Langdon 
motioned  the  boys  to  remain  where  they  were, 
and  crawled  noiselessly  forward  to  the  edge  of  the 
embankment  surrounding  the  village.  Phil 
could  now  hear  a  high-pitched  nasal  voice, 
raised  excitedly  after  the  Chinese  fashion,  with 
many  loud  and  piercing  notes.  He  could  see 
Langdon  ahead  of  him  partly  hidden  in  the 
grass,  and  his  curiosity  was  aroused  to  know 
what  this  midnight  meeting  might  foretell. 
Then  the  voices  ceased  and  the  noise  of  tramp- 
ing feet  came  clearly  to  his  ears.  From  out 
of  the  shadows,  but  a  few  yards  from  where 
Langdon  was  lying,  a  squad  of  Chinese  soldiers 
moved  off  into  the  night,  over  the  road  they 
were  traveling,  toward  Ku-Ling. 

After  a  few  minutes  had  elapsed,  the  sol- 
diers' footfalls  dying  away  in  the  distance, 


52  A  UNITED  STATES 

Langdon  rose  to  his  feet  and  joined  the  impa- 
tient midshipmen. 

"  They  were  soldiers  !  "  Sydney  exclaimed. 
"  We  distinctly  saw  their  uniforms  as  they  en- 
tered the  road." 

"What  were  they  saying?  Could  you 
hear  ?  "  Phil  questioned  eagerly. 

"  One  of  them  was  the  man  you  fought  with 
at  the  gate,"  Langdon  answered  ;  "  it's  just  as 
I  supposed  :  there  was  a  movement  on  foot  to 
attack  the  mission  if  that  party  was  successful 
in  destroying  the  gateway.  The  one  doing  all 
the  loud  talking  was  '  saving  his  face/  as  the 
Chinese  say ;  he  was  explaining  that  a  mon- 
ster, half  man  and  half  bird  flew  down  from 
the  wall  and  put  out  the  fuse  as  fast  as  he 
could  light  it,  and  that  he  had  mortall}'' 
wounded  the  '  devil,'  but  fear  having  entered 
his  heart,  he  had  run  away  as  fast  as  he  could, 
followed  by  his  companions.  He  says  that 
the  '  foreign  devils '  can  change  into  these 
monsters  whenever  they  wish,  and  that  their 
breath  is  like  fire." 

Phil  gasped  in  astonishment  at  the  ludi- 
crous account  of  his  battle  with  the  soldier. 

"  But  his  companions  will  not  believe  any 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  53 

such  tale  as  that,"  he  cried  ;  "  surely  they'll 
know  it  is  made  up  out  of  whole  cloth  ?  " 

"  On  the  contrary,"  Langdon  answered, 
"  they'll  believe  it,  and  what's  more  he  believes 
it  himself  by  this  time.  Doubtless  he  was  so 
frightened  that  he  remembers  little  that  hap- 
pened, and  their  imagination  is  so  vivid  that 
a  Chinaman  will  generally  believe  his  own 
words  as  they  fall  from  his  lips." 

"  What  would  have  happened  if  they  had 
been  successful  ? "  Phil  questioned.  "  That 
small  body  of  men  could  not  have  intended 
attacking  us." 

"  No,  but  after  the  gate  had  been  blown  in 
it  would  be  an  easy  matter  for  a  few  thousand 
Chinese  to  gather.  There  are  tens  of  thou- 
sands of  Chinamen  in  these  small  towns  within 
a  mile  of  the  mission.  All  they  need  is  a 
match  to  start  them,  and  that  was  the  inten- 
tion of  these  soldiers." 

"  It  looks  as  if  it  were  serious,"  Sydney  said 
in  an  awed  whisper  as  they  cautiously  regained 
the  road.  The  soldiers  were  not  in  sight,  so 
the  Americans  proceeded,  cautiously  watching 
for  the  first  signs  of  their  enemy  on  the  high- 
way ahead  of  them. 


54  A  UNITED  STATES 

Finally  they  reached  the  limits  of  the  for- 
eign concession,  and  it  was  after  midnight  be- 
fore they  arrived  on  board  the  "  Phoenix  "  ; 
but  Commander  Hughes  was  awake  and 
directed  that  they  be  shown  down  to  his  cabin 
immediately. 

The  situation  was  quickly  explained  to  the 
naval  officer  by  the  messengers. 

The  captain  sat  in  silence  for  some  minutes 
after  they  had  finished,  his  face  showing 
strongly  the  strain  he  was  under :  all  the 
Americans  on  the  river  were  in  mortal  danger, 
and  he  and  his  small  force  were  all  that  stood 
between  them  and  a  fate  far  worse  than  death. 
Phil  and  Langdon  anxiously  watched  the  cap- 
tain's face  as  if  to  read  the  next  move  on  the 
international  chess-board,  which  Commander 
Hughes,  as  the  senior  among  the  foreign  cap- 
tains, was  called  upon  to  make. 

"  Gentlemen,  the  news  you  bring  me  is  so 
terrible  in  its  possibilities,"  the  captain  finally 
began,  "  that  I  am  quite  at  a  loss  how  to  act. 
Our  force  is  too  small  to  resist  an  attack  ;  we 
must  resort  to  diplomacy  with  this  rascally 
viceroy.  And  yet  we  don't  know  how  far- 
reaching  the  movement  may  be.  If  we  sit 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  55 

idly  by  the  natives  will  gain  confidence,  mis- 
taking forbearance  for  cowardice,  and  can 
readily  drive  all  foreigners  off  the  river. 

"  Mr.  Perry,"  the  captain  added,  rising  and 
ringing  for  his  orderly,  "  I  want  you  to  take 
the  steam  launch  at  once  and  go  to  each  of 
the  foreign  gunboats  ;  request  that  their  com- 
manding officers  come  on  board  here  to  a 
meeting  in  a  half-hour's  time.  Explain  to 
them  the  gravity  of  the  situation."  Then 
turning  to  the  waiting  marine,  "  My  compli- 
ments to  the  officer  on  duty,  and  tell  him  to 
have  the  steamer  ready  for  Mr.  Perry  immedi- 
ately." 

Phil  soon  delivered  his  captain's  messages  to 
the  officer  of  the  deck  of  each  of  the  foreign 
gunboats  and  upon  his  return  was  detailed  by 
Commander  Hughes  for  the  duty  of  secretary 
to  the  international  council. 

Slightly  nervous  in  the  presence  of  so  many 
seniors,  the  midshipman  sat  near  his  captain, 
pencil  in  hand,  ready  to  take  notes  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  council. 

"  Commander  Ignacio  of  the  '  Albaque  '  is 
ill,"  a  young  foreign  lieutenant  announced  as 
the  American  captain  glanced  at  him  inquir- 


56  A  UNITED  STATES 

ingly,  "  and  begs  you  will  receive  me  as  his 
representative." 

Commander  Hughes  bowed  politely  in 
agreement  and  then  in  a  few  words  described 
the  incident  at  the  mission. 

"  Before  it  is  too  late,"  he  added,  "  I  believe 
that  it  is  our  duty  to  lay  our  difficulties  before 
the  viceroy,  and  demand  that  he  take  steps  at 
once  to  quell  this  uprising.  Meanwhile  we 
should  warn  all  foreigners  living  in  the  for- 
eign concession  at  Ku-Ling  that  if  our  diplo- 
macy fails  they  must  be  ready  to  take  refuge 
on  board  the  gunboats.  We  must  deal  with 
the  situation  fearlessly,  for  only  in  that  way 
can  we  expect  success.  Chang-Li-Hun  must 
be  made  to  see  the  seriousness  of  his  inac- 
tivity." 

To  this  clear  proposal  all  agreed  and  Com- 
mander Hughes  was  chosen  by  acclamation  to 
lead  the  embassy  on  the  morrow  to  the  vice- 
roy's yamen.  Two  other  commanders  were 
selected,  and  then  with  many  expressions  for 
success  the  council  adjourned. 

"  I  have  my  doubts  of  the  utility  of  a  con- 
ference with  the  viceroy,"  Langdon  told  the 
lads  the  next  morning  at  the  breakfast  table. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  57 

"  He's  a  tricky  Chinaman  and  generally  has 
his  own  way. 

"  Well,  we  shall  soon  see,"  he  ended  as  an 
orderly  appeared  to  summon  him  and  Phil  to 
be  ready  within  fifteen  minutes  to  accompany 
their  captain  on  the  mission  to  the  high 
Chinese  mandarin. 

A  half-hour  later  a  bright  array  of  uni- 
formed officers  landed  on  the  jetty ;  there 
were  three  of  the  gunboat  captains  and  their 
aides,  all  in  full  dress  uniform,  which  is  pre- 
scribed for  an  official  visit  upon  a  viceroy. 

A  line  of  green  sedan  chairs,  the  color 
portraying  to  the  curious  throngs  that  their 
occupants  were  of  the  first  rank  in  official 
parlance,  wended  its  way  in  single  file  through 
the  guarded  gates  into  the  stench  of  the 
crowded,  walled  city.  Each  chair  was  carried 
on  the  muscular  shoulders  of  four  coolies,  and 
at  almost  a  dog's  trot,  they  bore  their  burdens 
over  the  narrow,  crooked  streets. 

Phil  gazed  excitedly  upon  the  thousands  of 
inquisitive  natives,  crowding  so  near  the  for- 
eigners that  the  pungent  odor  of  their  bodies 
came  distinctly  to  his  nostrils  ;  their  ignorant 
faces  at  such  close  range  appalled  him.  The 


58  A  UNITED  STATES 

chair  coolies  cried  out  hoarsely,  jostling  the 
multitude  to  prevent  being  trodden  under  foot 
by  the  persistent  rabble. 

The  embassy  had  covered  but  half  the  dis- 
tance to  the  yamen  when  it  was  wedged  tightly 
against  a  heaving  mass  of  excited  yellow 
bodies.  Phil  saw  the  faces  of  the  crowd 
darken  with  a  superstitious  loathing ;  he 
seemed  to  read  in  their  cruel  eyes  an  awaken- 
ing to  the  knowledge  of  their  power,  and  the 
helpless  plight  of  the  despised  "  foreign  devils." 
The  multitude  pressed  ever  closer ;  reaching 
out  their  claw-like  talons  to  touch  the  gold- 
embroidered  uniforms  of  the  naval  officers. 
The  lad  cast  a  swift  glance  at  Langdon  next 
him  ;  he  felt  confident  he  would  read  in  his 
face  the  extent  of  the  danger  threatening  them. 
The  pilot  was  shouting  unintelligible  words 
to  his  chair  coolies ;  the  while  his  face  was 
black  with  passion. 

The  coolies  refused  stolidly  to  budge,  and 
by  sign  threatened  to  put  down  the  chairs 
upon  the  ground  ;  all  the  while  jabbering  and 
gesticulating  wildly  to  each  other  and  to  the 
mob,  which  appeared  on  the  point  of  engulf- 
ing the  foreigners  in  its  noisome  embrace. 


CHAPTER  V 

THE  VICEROY'S  TREACHERY 

THE  gaping  crowd  pressed  ever  closer.  Phil 
could  feel  the  fetid  breath  of  those  nearest 
him  ;  he  saw  a  big  Chinaman  emerge  from 
the  dense  throng  and  push  his  way  to  Lang- 
don's  chair ;  the  lad  would  have  cried  out  a 
warning,  but  all  happened  with  such  lightning- 
like  swiftness  that  he  had  not  found  his  voice 
before  the  bold  Chinaman  had  released  his 
hold  upon  the  pilot's  coat,  and  had  fallen 
back  into  the  arms  of  his  countrymen  nearest 
him,  a  deep  red  stain  upon  his  closely  shaved 
head,  while  Langdon  waved  menacingly  his 
Colt  revolver,  the  blunt  butt  of  which  had 
successfully  cowed  the  would-be  leader. 

Fortunately  for  the  foreigners,  a  troop  of 
mounted  soldiers  arrived  on  the  scene  at  this 
juncture  and  brutally  cleared  the  way,  tramp- 
ling under  their  horses'  feet  the  nearest  of 
the  mob,  chained  as  they  were  by  the  mass 
59 


60  A  UNITED  STATES 

of  humanity  behind  them.  Presently  the 
chairs  were  again  in  motion ;  the  soldiers 
now  keeping  the  crowd  in  check,  and  in  a 
few  minutes  more  the  embassy  arrived  in 
front  of  the  yamen,  the  official  residence  of 
the  viceroy.  The  heavy,  grotesquely  painted 
doors  were  quickly  opened,  and  closed  sharply 
in  the  faces  of  the  unruly  crowd. 

The  naval  men  alighted  from  their  chairs, 
well  satisfied  to  have  escaped  so  easily  from  a 
disagreeable  situation  ;  but  the  pilot  was  not 
so  well  pleased. 

"  We're  in  for  it,  I  fear,"  he  confided  to 
Phil ;  "  that  was  another  insult.  The  viceroy 
knew  we  were  coming  and  he  doubtless 
planned  that  we  should  be  mobbed,  holding 
his  soldiers  back  to  give  us  a  few  unpleasant 
minutes." 

"  What  would  that  Chinaman  have  done 
to  you  ?  "  Phil  asked  gravely. 

"  It  was  an  act  of  bravado,"  Langdon  an- 
swered smilingly,  the  picture  of  the  discomfited 
man  in  his  mind  ;  "  but  if  he  had  succeeded 
in  pulling  me  from  the  chair  it  would  have 
been  serious ;  a  leader  is  all  these  people 
need." 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  61 

"  Pretty  tight  squeak,  eh,  Langdon  ? " 
Commander  Hughes  asked  while  they  waited 
for  the  summons  to  approach  the  audience- 
chamber. 

"  It  looked  bad  for  a  time,  sir,"  the  pilot 
replied  ;  "  if  some  one  had  thrown  a  stone, 
we'd  have  been  mobbed  then  and  there,  and 
the  soldiers  would  have  been  powerless  to 
save  us.  Not  in  my  ten  years  among  these 
people  have  I  seen  such  a  menacing  mob. 
We  must  deal  boldly  with  the  viceroy,  sir, 
or  else  we'll  not  get  out  of  the  city  alive." 

"  Is  it  really  as  bad  as  that  ?  "  the  captain 
asked  anxiously. 

"Yes,  sir,"  Langdon  answered  earnestly, 
lowering  his  voice  so  as  not  to  be  heard  by 
any  save  the  captain  ;  "  they  were  in  an  ugly 
mood,  and  if  I  am  not  mistaken  they  were 
acting  under  orders  from  the  yamen  ;  other- 
wise the  rabble  wouldn't  have  dared  molest 
us.  If  we  don't  keep  our  feet  on  their  necks, 
they'll  make  short  work  of  every  foreigner  in 
the  Yangtse  Valley." 

After  a  few  minutes  more  of  waiting  the 
inner  doors  were  thrown  open  and  the  naval 
men  were  ushered  into  the  second  courtyard, 


62  A  UNITED  STATES 

and  then  through  more  doors  to  the  council- 
chamber  of  the  viceroy.  Here  they  found 
Chang-Li-Hun  and  his  advisers  ready  to  re- 
ceive them. 

Commander  Hughes  advanced  toward  the 
viceroy  and  bowed  ceremoniously ;  the 
ancient  Chinaman  clasped  his  hands  in  front 
of  him  and  murmured  a  few  monosyllables  in 
his  own  language,  after  which  all  were  seated. 
Phil  found  his  place  between  Langdon  and  a 
Chinaman,  while  Commander  Hughes  sat  at 
the  viceroy's  left,  the  seat  of  honor  in  the 
dragon  kingdom. 

The  silence  was  undisturbed  for  several 
minutes,  during  which  time  the  lad  gazed 
covertly  about  him.  He  noticed  the  sphinx- 
like  face  of  the  high  mandarin,  whose  power 
was  as  far-reaching  as  even  the  empress 
dowager's,  to  whom  he  acknowledged  alle- 
giance but  gave  it  grudgingly.  This  wizened 
old  man  had  the  power  of  life  and  death  over 
nearly  twenty  million  human  beings.  If  he 
so  willed,  he  could  order  any  of  his  subjects  to 
be  brought  to  the  execution  grounds  and  chop 
their  heads  off  with  as  little  feeling  as  one 
would  have  in  beheading  a  chicken.  The 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  63 

midshipman's  eyes  traveled  in  turn  over  each 
face  of  the  viceroy's  advisers,  men  of  great 
promise  in  the  empire ;  they  represented  the 
enlightened  few  governing  with  iron  rods  a 
people  who  are  yet  stifled  in  the  superstitions 
and  customs  of  medieval  times.  Through  the 
open  door,  the  lad  caught  a  glimpse  of  Chinese 
guards ;  their  blue  tunics  similar  to  the  one 
he  had  stripped  from  the  back  of  the  China- 
man at  the  mission  gate. 

Finally  the  silence  was  broken  by  the  high- 
pitched  voice  of  the  aged  viceroy  in  his  own 
staccato  language.  Phil  believed  he  could 
read  both  anger  and  contempt  in  the  tones  of 
the  mandarin's  voice. 

After  he  had  spoken  there  was  a  moment's 
silence,  then  a  voice  was  raised  in  perfect 
English.  Phil  gasped  in  surprise  as  he  be- 
held the  speaker  ;  a  Chinaman  seated  on  the 
right  hand  of  the  viceroy.  There  was  not  a 
trace  of  the  accent  which  he  had  believed  was 
habitual  with  every  Chinaman  who  learns  the 
English  tongue. 

"  His  Excellency,  Chang-Li-Hun,  thanks 
the  high  naval  commanders  for  the  honor 
of  this  visit  and  desires  to  hear  their  re- 


64  A  UNITED  STATES 

quests,"  the  interpreting  Chinaman  an- 
nounced. 

"  Give  our  compliments  to  his  Excellency," 
replied  Commander  Hughes  without  a  second's 
hesitation,  "  and  say  that  the  time  has  long 
passed  for  requests.  We  come  now  to  demand 
that  our  countrymen  be  protected,  in  accordance 
with  the  sacred  word  of  China  given  by  treaty." 

The  interpreter's  face  was  a  study ;  the 
American's  words  were  evidently  unexpected  ; 
he  glanced  uneasily  at  the  viceroy  as  if  fear- 
ing the  storm  which  he  knew  would  break 
forth  when  the  sharp  words  were  translated 
into  his  guttural  tongue.  After  a  few 
moments  of  thought,  during  which  time  the 
old  mandarin  blinked  his  watery  eyes  ex- 
pectantly, the  interpreter  spoke,  hesitatingly 
and  as  one  who  is  not  sure  of  his  ground ;  but 
instead  of  the  burst  of  rage  which  Phil  felt 
was  inevitable,  the  old  statesman  nodded  his 
head  in  assent. 

The  lad  saw  Langdon  rise  to  his  feet  and 
speak  in  an  undertone  to  Commander  Hughes  ; 
then  the  Chinese  mandarins  grasped  the  arms 
of  their  heavily  carved  chairs  with  indigna- 
tion and  horror  while  the  pilot's  voice  in 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  65 

their  own  tongue  rang  out  loudly,  in  direct 
address  to  the  viceroy.  Then  he  turned  to 
his  captain  and  explained  his  action. 

"  The  interpreter  did  not  give  the  viceroy 
your  words,  sir,"  he  said,  his  voice  quivering 
with  emotion.  "  I  thought  it  best  that  he 
should  know." 

The  parchment-like  features  of  the  aged 
mandarin  were  stamped  with  hatred  as  he 
snapped  out  his  reply  to  his  attentive  inter- 
preter. 

"  His  Excellency  is  much  disappointed  at 
the  unfriendly  attitude  of  the  foreigners,"  the 
Chinaman  announced  after  the  viceroy  had 
ceased  speaking,  "  and  is  grieved  to  hear  their 
harsh  language." 

Again  Langdon's  voice  was  raised  above 
the  silence  which  followed  the  placid  words 
of  the  interpreter  :  but  this  time  in  English. 

"  Those  were  not  the  viceroy's  words," 
he  exclaimed  turning  toward  Commander 
Hughes  but  glowering  at  the  discomfited  inter- 
preter ;  "his  answer  was  a  threat  against  our 
lives." 

Commander  Hughes  was  on  his  feet  in- 
stantly, his  face  pale  with  anger. 


66  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  Langdon,"  he  cried,  "  tell  the  viceroy 
that  our  meeting  is  ended  ;  that  we  came  to 
demand  punishment  for  those  of  his  country- 
men who  attempted  to  injure  our  mission  on 
the  hill  back  of  the  city,  but  as  he  refuses  to 
keep  to  his  country's  treaty,  we  shall  be 
forced  to  resort  to  arms  to  protect  our  own 
people." 

Langdon  promptly  translated  Commander 
Hughes'  words  to  the  viceroy,  sitting  craftily 
observing  the  incensed  foreigners. 

Chang-Li-Hun  was  too  clever  a  diplomat  to 
show  his  hand  was  against  the  foreigners ;  he 
must  appear  to  aid  them  in  their  endeavors  to 
protect  their  countrymen,  and  by  the  art  un- 
derstood best  by  the  Oriental  he  would  make 
these  naval  men  "  lose  face  "  in  the  Chinese 
eyes,  and  thereby  show  his  people  that  the 
vainglorious  boasting  foreigners  were  but 
human,  and  could  suffer  and  die  as  easily  as 
those  of  their  own  race. 

A  few  guttural  words  escaped  from  the  lips 
of  the  aged  mandarin,  which  Langdon  trans- 
lated at  once,  not  waiting  for  the  unreliable 
interpreter. 

"  The    viceroy    begs    you    will    again    be 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  67 

seated  ;  he  says  he  knows  nothing  of  the  acts 
against  the  mission." 

"  Tell  him,  then,  Langdon,"  the  American 
captain  ordered,  while  the  members  of  the 
embassy  reluctantly  took  their  seats ;  "  and 
give  it  to  him  as  strong  as  you  can,"  he  con- 
tinued, his  wrath  but  slightly  mollified. 

This  was  all  too  pleasant  a  task  for  the 
pilot,  whose  knowledge  of  Chinese  officialdom 
had  not  left  him  with  much  respect  for  their 
roundabout  methods.  He  went  straight  to 
the  point,  addressing  the  viceroy  directly, 
while  the  latter  appeared  to  listen  eagerly. 

After  the  pilot  had  stopped  speaking  and 
had  reseated  himself  at  Commander  Hughes' 
side,  the  viceroy  drew  his  interpreter  aside, 
and  in  a  voice  so  low  pitched  that  Langdon 
could  not  hear  a  word,  conversed  with  him 
earnestly  for  many  minutes ;  then  the  inter- 
preter arose  and  hurriedly  left  the  council- 
chamber. 

The  embassy  sat  in  silence,  wondering  what 
would  be  the  next  move  of  this  adroit  diplo- 
mat. Phil's  nerves  were  atingle  with  ex- 
pectancy ;  the  dangers  of  their  position 
within  a  hostile  city,  and  in  the  grasp  of  an 


68  A  UNITED  STATES 

avowed  enemy,  gave  his  young  and  untamed 
spirit  high  hopes  for  excitement.  How  he 
wished  for  Sydney  that  he  might  share  what- 
ever was  in  store  for  the  embassy  before  it 
again  reached  the  safety  of  its  steel  broad- 
sides ! 

The  naval  men  had  not  long  to  wait  before 
the  inner  gates  of  the  yamen  were  thrown 
open  and  a  battalion  of  soldiers  filed  into  the 
courtyard,  outside  the  audience-chamber.  An- 
other moment,  and  the  light  screens  forming 
the  sides  of  the  council-chamber  were  removed 
and  the  embassy  looked  fairly  out  upon  this 
martial  display. 

The  soldiers  were  quickly  formed  into  a 
hollow  square  between  the  embassy  and  the 
outer  gates,  which  then  were  likewise  opened 
and  a  seething  mob  of  excited,  riotous  China- 
men poured  through,  filling  up  the  courtyard 
beyond. 

"  What's  the  meaning  of  this  ?  ''  the  Amer- 
ican commander  exclaimed  in  sudden  alarm  ; 
but  before  Langdon  could  disclaim  his  knowl- 
edge of  what  was  about  to  happen,  a  part  of 
the  square  opened  and  a  number  of  tightly- 
bound  prisoners  were  dragged  to  the  middle 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  69 

of  the  courtyard  directly  in  front  of  the  vice- 
roy. As  they  approached,  Phil  unconsciously 
turned  away  his  head  to  shut  out  the  pitiful 
spectacle  ;  the  prisoners  were  cruelly  shackled 
together  in  a  manner  practiced  only  by  the 
Chinese. 

After  the  lad  had  gained  control  of  his  feel- 
ings and  once  more  glanced  toward  the  prison- 
ers, the  viceroy  was  speaking,  while  the  pilot 
listened  intently  ;  the  mob  beyond  was  silent, 
gazing  with  evident  enjoyment  at  the  terror- 
stricken  prisoners  before  the  viceroy. 

"  His  Excellency  says  that  he  has  just  dis- 
covered that  these  men  were  arrested  last 
night  by  his  guards  with  contraband  concealed 
upon  their  persons,  and  when  tortured  con- 
fessed to  having  attempted  to  blow  in  the 
gates  of  the  American  mission,  and  that  he 
will  punish  them  in  our  presence  as  a  warning 
to  his  people,"  Langdon  announced  loudly, 
then  lowering  his  voice,  he  whispered  hur- 
riedly to  Commander  Hughes  :  "  I  don't  like 
the  looks  of  it,  sir ;  a  moment  ago  he  knew 
nothing  of  it,  and  now  he  claims  to  have  the 
culprits  ;  it  seems  strange." 

"  Hold  !  "  cried  Commander  Hughes,  start- 


yo  A  UNITED  STATES 

ing  to  his  feet ;  "  we  must  have  proof  that 
these  are  the  right  men  ;  we  want  no  useless 
executions."  For  he  knew  only  too  well  that 
this  form  of  punishment  was  the  one  dear  to 
the  Chinese  heart,  and  he  could  read  upon  the 
faces  of  the  crowd  that  it  was  waiting  joyfully 
to  see  these  human  heads  severed  from  their 
bodies  and  doubtless  had  been  promised  this 
stirring  sport. 

Langdon  translated  his  captain's  wish  hastily 
to  the  viceroy,  but  the  mandarin  turned  a  deaf 
ear,  raising  his  thin,  veined  hand  with  its 
claw-like  nails  as  a  sign  to  proceed  with  the 
gruesome  work. 

A  muscular  Chinaman,  naked  save  for  a 
loin  cloth,  stepped  from  the  ranks  of  the  sol- 
diers, brandishing  a  sharp  curved  sword,  and 
moved  quickly  to  the  side  of  the  kneeling 
prisoners.  Commander  Hughes  and  his  col- 
leagues started  precipitately  toward  him  as  if 
to  prevent  him  from  carrying  out  his  mur- 
derous intentions. 

Phil  saw  the  bright  blade  circle  above  the 
head  of  a  terrified  prisoner  and  then  descend. 
He  closed  his  eyes  in  horror  to  shut  out  the 
appalling  sight. 


PISTOL  SHOT  RANG  OUT 


CHAPTER  VI 

DIPLOMACY    FAILS 

"  I  GUESSED  as  much  !  "  the  pilot  cried  out, 
striding  forward  ;  the  guards  timidly  giving 
way  before  his  menacing  revolver.  "  These 
men  are  Christian  converts  ;  it's  but  a  trick  to 
make  us  lose  face  before  this  rabble." 

He  reached  the  side  of  the  prisoners  and 
raised  one  to  his  feet.  Phil  watched  with 
fascinated  gaze  as  Langdon  dragged  forward 
excitedly  the  chained  and  terrified  men  who 
had  been  plucked  from  death  by  the  timely 
and  unerring  shot  of  the  American ;  there 
was  something  strangely  familiar  in  the  ashen 
features  of  one  of  them. 

"  This  man  is  a  mess  attendant  from  the 
1  Phoenix  ! '  "  Langdon  exclaimed,  pointing  to 
the  nearer  of  the  two  prisoners  ;  "  the  trick 
was  to  execute  them  before  our  eyes  before  we 
could  interfere." 

Both  Commander  Hughes  and  Phil  saw  at 
once  that  the  pilot  was  right ;  there  was  the 
72 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  73 

ward-room  servant  who  had  been  missing  since 
the  day  of  the  gunboat's  arrival ;  he  was  a 
Chinaman  from  a  distant  province  and  unable 
to  speak  the  local  dialect,  and  in  consequence 
had  been  singled  out  as  a  victim  by  the  schem- 
ing officials. 

The  midshipman  feared  that  all  was  lost ; 
he  could  see  no  avenue  of  escape  ;  the  viceroy's 
attitude  was  certainly  hostile,  and  how  could 
they,  a  mere  handful  of  officers  armed  with 
only  their  revolvers,  hope  to  cope  with  the 
soldiers  of  the  yamen,  to  say  nothing  of  the 
hundreds  of  thousands  of  fanatics  inside  the 
walled  city  ?  A  single  wave  of  that  treach- 
erous hand  would  condemn  them  to  a  fate 
from  which  his  soul  revolted  ;  he  had  heard 
of  the  terrible  deaths  meted  out  to  foreigners 
by  these  semi-barbarians.  The  lad  glanced 
anxiously  at  his  companions  ;  he  saw  in  their 
faces  that  they  were  determined  to  sell  their 
lives  as  dearly  as  possible,  but  the  unequal 
struggle  could  have  but  one  ending. 

The  naval  men  were  standing  together  near 
the  table ;  every  eye  was  upon  the  aged 
mandarin,  sitting  calmly,  and  to  outward 
appearances,  no  more  concerned  than  if  he 


74  A  UNITED  STATES 

were  witnessing  a  play  on  the  yamen  stage  ; 
Langdon  remained  beside  the  prisoners,  and 
not  far  from  the  soldiers  stolidly  waiting 
orders  from  their  high  chief. 

The  situation  was  impressive  and  one  to 
unnerve  the  stoutest  heart ;  a  false  move,  an 
ill-judged  word,  and  those  hundreds  of  modern 
rifles  might  be  turned  against  the  defenseless 
officers.  Phil  knew  that  nearly  two  thousand 
sailors  were  under  arms  on  board  the  war- 
ships, ready  to  be  landed  if  the  embassy  had 
not  returned  to  the  jetty  by  eleven  o'clock  ; 
it  was  now  ten-thirty  by  the  great  clock  in 
the  council-chamber  ;  but  before  the  half  hour 
had  passed  all  would  be  decided  and  the  land- 
ing force  would  not  be  necessary.  The  mid- 
shipman knew  that  Commander  Hughes  would 
not  retract  a  single  word  uttered  in  the  con- 
ference, and  that  he  would  presently  give  out 
his  ultimatum  to  the  viceroy,  which  would 
either  be  accepted  or  else  more  foreign  blood 
would  be  laid  at  the  door  of  this  cruel  official, 
Chang-Li-Hun. 

"  Be  careful,  Langdon,"  Commander  Hughes 
said  in  a  low  voice,  in  which  no  emotion  was 
evident,  although  Phil  could  see  the  involun- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  75 

tary  twitching  of  his  lips ;  "  don't  throw  a 
match  into  the  magazine.  Tell  him  quietly 
that  we  have  seen  through  his  treachery  and 
wish  safe  conduct  through  his  city  back  to 
our  vessels ;  and  insist  that  these  prisoners 
accompany  us." 

Phil  shook  with  excitement  as  the  pilot 
steadied  himself  to  give  his  captain's  words 
to  the  viceroy  ;  he  understood  thoroughly  that 
this  was  the  only  course  open  to  the  American 
commander  if  he  wished  to  save  the  hundreds 
of  foreigners  in  the  province  from  the  insults 
and  scorn  of  the  Chinese  expulsionists,  even 
though  the  result  to  him  and  his  colleagues 
was  death.  The  lad's  mind  dwelt  for  the 
fraction  of  a  second  upon  the  terrible  revenge 
that  would  be  visited  upon  those  responsible 
for  the  killing  of  the  members  of  the  embassy  ; 
he  thought  of  Canton  and  Peking,  and  how 
the  despised  foreign  soldiers  had,  with  fire  and 
sword,  brought  home  to  the  defilers  of  the 
sacred  rights  of  ambassadors  the  terrible  con- 
sequences of  their  guilt ;  yet  there  was  scant 
encouragement  for  him  in  such  recollections. 

Langdon  had  given  his  captain's  ultimatum 
in  a  calm  voice  from  which  all  passion  had 


76  A  UNITED  STATES 

been  expunged,  and  now  all  waited  with  breath 
abated  for  the  words  of  the  wizened  old  man, 
in  whose  hands  the  fate  of  so  many  lives 
rested. 

The  viceroy  at  length  stirred  uneasily  in  his 
chair  and  turning  to  one  of  his  ministers 
uttered  a  few  low  gutturals.  The  spell  was 
broken  ;  a  harsh  command  rang  out,  and 
instantly  the  soldiers  faced  about,  forcing 
with  set  bayonets  the  disappointed  populace 
through  the  outer  gates,  which  swung  shut 
with  a  loud  rattle  behind  them.  Then  the 
military,  gathering  up  the  two  lifeless  bodies, 
sacrifices  to  the  humor  of  a  viceroy,  melted 
away  in  all  directions,  leaving  the  embassy 
once  more  alone  with  the  yamen  officials. 

The  viceroy  raised  his  teacup  to  his  lips,  a 
signal  that  the  visit  was  at  an  end,  and  then 
rising  slowly,  he  bowed  coldly,  and  attended 
by  his  ministers  withdrew  from  the  room.  In 
a  few  minutes  the  chairs  were  brought  and 
the  embassy  were  only  too  glad  to  be  gone 
from  this  nerve-racking  and  fruitless  council. 

Langdon,  with  his  usual  energy,  saw  the 
liberated  prisoners  seated  in  chairs  in  the 
midst  of  those  of  the  foreigners  and  near  his 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  77 

own,  and  then  stepped  to  the  captain's  side 
to  report  that  all  was  ready  to  proceed. 

"  I  don't  think  we  shall  be  molested,"  he 
said  hopefully ;  "it  seems  plain  that  the 
viceroy  will  do  nothing  to  stop  the  uprising, 
but  it  appears  he  is  afraid  to  openly  defy 
you."  Then  he  raised  his  voice  admiringly  : 
"  Do  you  know,  captain,  that  you're  the  very 
first  foreigner  to  make  Chang-Li-Hun  lose 
face,  and  before  a  crowd  of  his  own  people 
whom  he  had  deliberately  collected  to  witness 
your  own  discomfiture.  You  gave  us  all  a 
close  call  in  doing  it,  sir ;  I  could  hardly  be- 
lieve my  ears  when  I  heard  you  tell  me  to 
shoot  the  executioner,  but  there  wasn't  time 
to  allow  you  to  repeat  it." 

The  return  to  the  jetty  was  well  and  safely 
guarded  by  hundreds  of  well-armed  soldiers 
and  the  crowds  were  handled  so  easily  that 
the  foreigners  could  readily  see  that  the 
episode  of  the  morning  was  prepared  for  them 
by  the  yamen  officials.  Commander  Hughes 
realized  that  the  visit  to  the  viceroy  had 
given  ample  proof  that  whatever  injury  was 
done  to  foreigners  by  the  natives  of  the  prov- 
ince could  be  charged  to  the  stand  taken  by 


78  A  UNITED  STATES 

the  viceroy  ;  and  with  this  official  backing 
the  hostile  movement  would  spread  to  insur- 
mountable proportions. 

"  Why  the  viceroy  permitted  us  to  take 
those  Chinese  prisoners  1  can't  understand," 
the  pilot  exclaimed  to  Phil,  a  half  hour  hav- 
ing passed  since  the  return  of  the  embassy. 

Phil  was  silent,  but  intensely  interested. 
He  had  just  seen  the  foreign  captains  file  into 
the  cabin,  unsummoned,  eager  to  hear  the 
result  of  the  mission  to  the  viceroy. 

"  The  two  prisoners  came  to  me  immedi- 
ately we  got  back  to  the  ship,"  Langdon  con- 
tinued excitedly,  "  and  told  me  of  an  attack 
to  be  made  to-night  on  the  Inland  Mission. 
They  claim  to  have  secured  this  information 
from  the  Chinaman  who  was  beheaded  before 
our  eyes ;  he  was  a  northern  Chinaman, 
but  could  speak  the  local  dialect.  The 
soldiers,  knowing  these  men  were  to  die,  did 
not  take  the  trouble  to  conceal  their  plans. 
It  seems  that  an  army  of  outlaws  have  taken 
Lien-Chow  for  their  headquarters ;  it  is  a 
small  town  about  seven  miles  from  here  on 
the  To-Yan  Lake,  and  they  intend  to  move  in 
a  body  upon  the  mission.  These  malcontents 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  79 

have  been  guaranteed  aid  from  the  viceroy, 
and  if  the  mission  is  captured,  they  hope  to 
gather  enough  reinforcement  to  allow  them 
to  march  against  the  forts,  and  the  result 
would  be  their  capture,  for  the  soldiers  there 
would  not  fire  a  shot  against  their  own 
countrymen.  The  guns  of  the  forts  will 
then  be  turned  upon  us  and  our  escape  down 
the  river  will  be  cut  off,  for  these  vessels 
cannot  face  heavy  ordnance." 

"  But  why,"  exclaimed  Phil,  after  the  pilot 
had  finished,  "  should  they  attack  a  guarded 
mission  when  there  are  so  many  others  scat- 
tered over  the  country  undefended  ?  " 

"  It  seems  to  show."  returned  Langdon, 
"  that  the  viceroy  is  directing  the  movement. 
To  attack  and  massacre  the  inmates  of  an  un- 
guarded mission  could  readily  be  attributed 
to  an  uncontrolled  mob  and  would  be  a  sub- 
ject for  conference  and  indemnity ;  but  an 
attack  on  a  defended  mission,  and  by  soldiers 
in  uniform,  will  show  the  Chinese  that  the 
war  is  between  the  representatives  of  the  for- 
eign governments  and  their  own,  and  being 
successful  will  stir  the  whole  population  of 
this  part  of  China  to  rise  and  drive  out  all  for- 


8o  A  UNITED  STATES 

eigners.  I  believe  to-night  will  be  one  of 
blood  for  foreigners  in  China,  if  those  away 
from  the  protection  of  our  river  gunboats 
have  not  already  paid  the  penalty  of  their 
trusting  natures." 

"  We  must  not  delay  an  instant  in  taking 
this  information  to  the  captain,"  Phil  declared 
excitedly,  the  contemplated  movement  of  the 
expulsionists  with  its  possible  results  flashing 
through  his  mind. 

The  foreign  gunboat  captains  were  gathered 
about  the  cabin  table  when  Langdon  and  Phil 
were  announced  by  the  orderly,  and  all  lis- 
tened intently  while  the  pilot  gave  hurriedly 
the  story  brought  by  the  two  Chinese  refugees. 

A  buzz  of  eager  conversation  and  questions 
ensued  as  Langdon  finished.  Each  of  the 
captains  had  his  own  plans  to  advance,  but 
Commander  Hughes,  as  the  senior,  was  the 
first  to  be  heard.  He  arose,  his  face  grave; 
and  at  once  the  room  was  hushed  ;  all  recog- 
nized and  respected  his  understanding  and 
fertility  of  resource. 

"  We  must  acknowledge  a  failure  in  our 
diplomatic  mission  to  the  viceroy,"  he  began, 
weighing  each  word  carefully ;  "  the  cable 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  81 

being  in  the  hands  of  the  Chinese  officials,  we 
are  for  the  present  cut  off  from  instructions 
from  our  respective  governments.  We  have 
here  every  available  vessel  on  the  river,  except 
those  necessary  for  the  protection  of  the  mis- 
sions farther  up  the  country;  the  state  of  the 
river  at  present  will  not  admit  of  the  battle- 
ships coming  to  our  aid,  and  the  two  monitors 
of  my  government  are  by  last  accounts  as  yet 
in  the  Philippines.  We  must  act  here  and 
now  ;  there  is  no  time  for  calm  and  deliberate 
judgment;  our  decision  must  be  made 
quickly,  and  our  act  must  be  as  prompt,  if  we 
are  to  be  in  time  to  prevent  a  general  mas- 
sacre of  foreigners." 

The  speaker  stopped  and  glanced  earnestly 
at  the  faces  of  his  colleagues  ;  each  recognized 
full  well  the  delicacy  of  the  position. 
Would  their  respective  governments  sanction 
their  acts,  or  would  they  find  themselves  dis- 
graced and  relieved  of  their  commands,  for 
not  having  followed  a  course  of  procedure  de- 
cided upon  by  their  sovereigns  at  a  great  dis- 
tance from  the  scene  of  disturbance  and  in 
the  light  of  events  which  had  not  as  yet  tran- 
spired ? 


82  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  My  government,"  Commander  Hughes 
resumed,  "  is  one  of  the  most  conservative  of 
those  represented  here  ;  it  has  ever  been  against 
striking  the  first  blow.  But  there  has  now 
come  a  time  when  humanity  calls  for  other 
and  more  drastic  measures.  You  have  just 
heard  from  the  lips  of  one  who  knows  these 
people  far  better  than  we  that  these  fanatics 
aided  by  the  viceroy  intend  attacking  a  mis- 
sion guarded  by  American  sailors." 

Commander  Hughes  as  he  spoke  spread 
out  a  chart  upon  the  table  before  him, 
beckoning  Langdon  at  the  same  time  to  his 
side. 

"  If  we  remain  anchored  here  the  guns  of 
the  forts,  if  hostile,  will  soon  drive  us  from 
the  city,"  he  began  again,  his  eyes  on  the 
chart.  •'  Before  we  strike  a  blow  we  must 
first  embark  all  foreigners  from  the  concession 
and  change  our  anchorage  to  one  beyond  the 
range  of  the  forts.  With  this  startling  news 
from  the  Chinese  prisoners,  coupled  with  the 
attempt  last  night  to  blow  up  the  gates  of  the 
mission,  the  intention  of  the  Chinese  is  no 
longer  a  matter  of  conjecture.  We  have  now 
to  face  a  condition.  This  mission,  guarded 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  83 

by  sailors  from  my  own  ship,  is  in  imminent 
peril  and  must  be  relieved  at  once.  Every 
moment  is  precious.  The  means  only  should 
now  be  considered  by  us.  I  have  two  plans 
in  mind  :  the  first  one  is  to  move  farther  up 
the  river  to  a  point  abreast  the  mission/'  plac- 
ing his  finger  on  the  chart ;  "  from  the  river  it 
is  but  three  miles  to  the  mission,  and  we 
can  easily  land  a  force  after  dark  and  march 
across  to  its  relief." 

As  the  captain  finished  he  glanced  inquir- 
ingly at  the  pilot. 

"  That  would  be  very  difficult,  sir,"  Lang- 
don  said  quickly,  reading  the  question  in  his 
captain's  eyes.  "  True,  from  there  the 
distance  is  short,  but  we  shall  have  to  cross 
a  wide  and  deep  irrigation  ditch.  This 
canal  is  nearly  fifty  feet  in  depth  and  its  sides 
are  perpendicular." 

"  Are  there  no  bridges?  "  inquired  a  foreign 
officer  anxiously. 

"  There  are  several  bamboo  bridges,"  Lang- 
don  answered,  "  but  they  are  narrow  and  frail. 
Probably  even  now  they  have  been  des- 
troyed." 

"  Then  we  must  adopt  my  second  plan," 


84  A  UNITED  STATES 

the  American  commander  declared  stoutly. 
"  We  have  but  two  thousand  men  available  for 
landing,  which  depletes  our  ships  to  an 
alarming  extent,  anchored  as  they  are  under 
the  guns  of  the  batteries  ;  if  we  wait  until  the 
mission  is  attacked  and  then  land  to  the 
rescue,  we  might  find  ourselves  at  a  great  dis- 
advantage against  the  many  thousands  of  well- 
armed  enemies ;  besides,  in  our  absence  it 
might  prove  too  great  a  temptation  for  the 
men  of  the  forts  to  open  fire  on  our  ships, 
thus  cutting  us  off  from  our  own  vessels. 
Lien-Chow,  where  the  Chinese  fanatics  are 
massing,  is  from  here  seven  miles  by  land  and 
sixteen  by  water ;  the  rebels  will  not  leave 
the  cover  of  their  city  before  dark. 

"  My  recommendation  is  therefore  to  get 
under  way  at  once  from  this  anchorage,  taking 
with  us  all  foreigners  who  wish  to  leave  the 
foreign  concession,  and  then  steam  by  the 
forts  and  into  the  To-Yan  Lake.  Immediately 
upon  our  arrival  off  Lien-Chow  I  propose  to 
land  and  fearlessly  attack  the  rebels  in  their 
headquarters.  In  routing  them  we  shall 
either  break  the  back  of  the  uprising,  or  else 
make  it  incumbent  upon  the  mandarins,  the 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  85 

real  offenders,  to  devise  other  plans  for  en- 
couraging this  movement  against  the  lives  of 
the  Europeans. 

"  Are  you  with  me,  gentlemen?  " 


CHAPTER  VII 

DISSENSIONS 

COMMANDEE  HUGHES'  plans  were  agreed 
upon,  though  not  until  after  much  opposition 
by  the  other  members  of  the  council,  and 
word  was  at  once  despatched  to  the  foreign 
merchants  and  consuls  ashore  to  close  their 
stores  and  houses  and  seek  protection  on  board 
the  gunboats  of  their  respective  nationalities. 

Inside  of  three  hours  all  preparations  were 
completed  and  the  international  fleet  weighed 
anchor  and,  in  column,  the  "  Phoenix  "  lead- 
ing, steamed  boldly  down  the  river. 

Langdon  had  gone  to  the  gunboat's  bridge 
to  pilot  the  fleet  through  the  narrow  and 
dangerous  channel  leading  into  the  shallow 
waters  of  the  To-Yan  Lake,  leaving  Phil  and 
Sydney  at  their  guns,  aft  on  the  quarter-deck 
of  the  vessel  ;  for  all  the  gunboats  had  cleared 
for  action  to  be  prepared  in  case  the  Chinese 
should  precipitate  hostilities.  While  the  fleet 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  87 

was  getting  its  anchors  up  from  the  bottom  of 
the  muddy  river,  they  gazed  with  rising  pulse 
at  the  unusual  activity  inside  the  Chinese 
batteries  ;  they  could  see  groups  of  blue  clad 
soldiers  surrounding  the  big  guns  in  their 
rocky  emplacements.  Would  the  forts  open 
fire  upon  the  allied  fleet  as  it  steamed  past  ? 

The  midshipmen  knew  that  if  one  shot  was 
fired  from  that  impregnable  fortress  at  the 
miniature  battle-ships  the  sound  would  travel 
around  the  world.  It  would  mean  war ! 
The  forts  belonged  to  the  Chinese  government 
and  were  manned  by  her  soldiers  ;  no  idle 
excuse  would  be  accepted  by  the  nations  in- 
sulted. 

"  These  ships  wouldn't  stand  a  ghost  of  a 
chance  against  those  guns,"  Sydney  exclaimed 
nervously  as  he  joined  Phil  on  his  side  of  the 
deck.  The  sailors  stood  silently  at  their  bat- 
teries, each  gun  loaded  with  high  explosive 
shell  and  ready  to  hurl  its  charge  at  the  enemy 
at  close  range  if  it  should  suddenly  declare 
war. 

"  It's  pretty  short  range,"  Phil  declared, 
"  and  our  gun  pointers  could  send  every  shell 
through  those  rock  gun  ports.  A  fleet  of  our 


88  A  UNITED  STATES 

gunboats  would  drive  the  Chinese  gunners 
from  their  guns." 

"  One  Chinese  shell,  though,  would  sink 
us,"  Sydney  returned,  intent  upon  gaining  his 
point.  "  However,  let  them  go  ahead.  Those 
rascals  will  find  the  '  Phoenix  '  will  give  them 
a  surprise-party." 

"  The  monitors  are  what  we  need,"  Phil 
exclaimed,  "but  they  are  over  a  thousand 
miles  away,  broiling  in  the  heat  of  Manila. 
With  the  monitors  here  the  forts  could  be 
silenced  and  captured  by  the  fleet." 

The  long  column  of  moving  gunboats  was 
now  stretched  along  the  river  from  Ku-Ling 
to  the  southward.  The  leader  had  now  safely 
passed  the  forts  and  its  bow  was  directed  down 
the  river  for  the  entrance  of  the  To-Yan  Lake, 
a  good  six  miles  distant. 

It  was  with  a  feeling  of  relief  that  the  mid- 
shipmen saw  the  last  gunboat  in  column,  fol- 
lowing the  "  Phoenix's "  lead,  pass  out  of 
range  of  the  fort's  guns.  It  showed  that 
China,  as  a  nation,  had  not  as  yet  openly 
challenged  the  world  to  battle;  but  if  those  in 
the  forts  had  known  of  the  avowed  intentions  of 
the  fleet  might  they  not  have  acted  differently  ? 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA          89 

Under  the  skilful  direction  of  Langdon, 
the  Yangtse  River  pilot,  the  allied  fleet 
steamed  to  the  southward,  leaving  on  its  star- 
board hand  the  high  bluff  point  of  land  below 
the  city,  upon  which,  fortunately,  the  Chinese 
had  not  as  yet  mounted  protecting  batteries, 
and  then  entered  the  shallow  waters  of  the 
forbidden  lake.  From  this  point  the  channel 
led  away  from  the  course  of  the  river  and  to 
the  westward  behind  the  city  of  Ku-Ling. 

"Do  you  see  Commander  Hughes'  plan?" 
Phil  exclaimed  excitedly.  He  took  a  piece  of 
paper  from  his  pocket,  and  drew  a  hasty  map 
of  their  surroundings.  "  Here's  the  river, 
and  here,"  he  said,  "  is  the  lake,  which  we  are 
entering.  Lien-Chow,  you  see,  is  ahead  of  us," 
and  he  pointed  to  a  dull  color  of  blue  that 
raised  itself  slowly  from  the  muddy  waters  of 
the  lake.  "  It's  in  the  rear  of  the  fort  guns, 
you  notice,  and  our  ships  will  be  safely 
anchored  while  we  are  relieving  those  in  the 
mission,  which  lies  over  there." 

"  Yes,"  answered  Sydney  ;  "  but  if  we  suc- 
ceed in  repulsing  the  rebels  at  Lien-Chow  and 
rescuing  the  mission,"  he  went  on  doubtfully, 
"  what  shall  we  do  next  ?  We  shall  be  cut  off 


90  A  UNITED  STATES 

from  Ku-Ling.  The  forts  will  never  let  us 
pass  freely  again." 

Phil  put  his  sketch  in  his  pocket.  He 
wanted  to  complete  it  later  and  send  it  home 
in  his  next  letter.  "  Well,"  he  declared,  "  we 
can't  worry  over  that  now.  The  rescue  of 
those  in  the  mission,  you  see,  is  our  most  im- 
portant duty.  The  future  must  take  care  of 
itself." 

It  was  shortly  after  two  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon, when  the  long  line  of  vessels  dropped 
anchor  off  the  town  of  Lien-Chow  ;  and  almost 
immediately  the  gunboats  had  lowered  their 
small  boats  and  were  embarking  their  sailors. 
Phil  found  himself  in  the  steam  launch  with 
Commander  Hughes  and  Langdon  ;  the  former 
had  been  chosen  to  command  the  expedition, 
and  the  lad  thanked  his  good  fortune  for  his 
assignment  as  aid. 

The  long  line  of  boats,  laden  with  armed 
bluejackets,  rowed  swiftly  toward  the  not  dis- 
tant shore  of  the  bay,  while  two  of  the  gun- 
boats, remaining  under  way  when  the  fleet 
anchored,  took  up  their  stations  where  they 
could  shell  the  enemy  if  the  landing  was  op- 
posed. 


92  A  UNITED  STATES 

The  midshipman  stood  beside  Commander 
Hughes,  whose  keen  eyes  were  directed  toward 
the  Chinese  town,  in  which  direction  the 
launch  was  heading.  Phil  could  not  discern 
even  a  trace  of  nervousness  in  his  captain's 
face,  yet  upon  the  success  of  this  bold  attempt 
to  coerce  the  Chinese  mandarins  his  future 
career  in  the  navy  rested.  Langdon's  eyes 
were  searching  the  approaching  shore-line  for 
signs  of  the  enemy.  He  hastily  took  the  spy- 
glass from  Phil's  hand  and  leveled  it  in  the 
direction  of  a  grove  of  trees  to  the  right  of  the 
middle  of  the  town. 

"  It's  a  piece  of  artillery,"  the  pilot  ex- 
claimed, pointing  with  his  glass  toward  the 
grove. 

Commander  Hughes  leveled  his  field-glass 
and  gazed  for  a  few  seconds  in  the  direction 
indicated. 

He  had  framed  an  answer,  but  it  remained 
unspoken.  A  puff  of  brown  smoke  darted 
from  a  bright  flash  amidst  the  trees,  and  the 
screech  of  a  shell  came  loudly  to  the  ears  of 
the  advancing  foreigners,  while  a  column  of 
water  rose  suddenly  in  the  air  scarce  fifty 
yards  short  of  the  line  of  boats. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  93 

The  two  watchful  gunboats,  from  the  flanks, 
opened  fire  with  their  broadsides,  and  in  a 
second  the  grove  was  blotted  from  sight  by 
scores  of  explosions. 

"  That  relieves  us  of  the  stigma  of  firing  the 
first  shot,"  Commander  Hughes  exclaimed 
gladly  ;  "  but  I  had  hoped  not  to  have  to  fire 
at  all.  My  prayer  was  that  the  rebels  would 
disperse  at  this  show  of  force." 

The  boats  had  not  covered  another  hundred 
yards  when  the  town  broke  forth,  in  its  entire 
length,  with  a  hail  of  rifle  shots ;  the  distance 
was  too  great  to  see  the  flashes  and  hear  dis- 
tinctly the  discharges,  but  the  water  in  front 
and  around  the  boats  was  cut  to  foam  by  the 
hissing  missiles.  As  the  boats  drew  nearer, 
the  rattle  of  musketry  came  sharply  to  Phil's 
ears,  while  he  heard  again  the  wailing  bullets 
speeding  by  him.  The  attacking  sailors  were 
silent,  but  the  flank  gunboats  poured  a  storm 
of  shell  into  the  town. 

Phil  glanced  admiringly  at  his  captain  ;  the 
latter  was  strikingly  cool  in  face  of  the 
stubborn  resistance  with  which  he  had  not 
reckoned  ;  he  had  believed  that  the  rebels 
were  but  an  unorganized  mob  and  could 


94  A  UNITED  STATES 

easily  be  intimidated  by  the  allied  forces  ;  but 
instead  he  now  saw  that  the  enemy  was  in 
force  and  well  intrenched,  while  the  screech 
of  shell  and  explosion  of  shrapnel  above  the 
sailors'  heads  bore  witness  that  these  Chinese 
outlaws  were  well  supplied  with  modern 
ordnance. 

A  few  boats  in  the  long  line  wavered  and 
held  back,  but  the  majority  kept  steadily  on, 
followed  in  but  a  few  seconds  by  those  less 
brave. 

"  When  we  ground,"  Commander  Hughes 
commanded,  "  you  go  to  the  right,  Perry,  and 
you,  Langdon,  to  the  left :  tell  the  officers  to 
advance  at  double  time  straight  upon  the  in- 
trenchments.  We  dare  not  stop  now  ;  given 
the  slightest  encouragement,  the  Chinese 
could  repulse  us." 

Phil  felt  the  launch  tremble,  and  then  a 
grating  sound  told  him  the  boat  had  reached 
as  near  the  shore  as  its  draft  would  allow. 
Without  hesitation,  he  jumped  waist-deep 
into  the  water  and  waded  to  the  shore,  a 
scant  hundred  yards  away.  He  saw  his  two 
companions  follow  his  lead,  then  he  started 
away  at  top  speed  up  the  beach  amidst  a  per- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  95 

feet  storm  of  bullets,  giving  to  the  leader  of 
each  detachment  as  he  passed  the  commands 
of  his  captain. 

"  Form  a  skirmish  line  and  advance  on  the 
double,"  he  shouted  to  boat  after  boat  as  their 
keels  grated  on  the  sandy  shore  ;  then  reach- 
ing the  last  boat,  he  quickly  turned  and 
raced  back  to  join  his  captain. 

Running  to  seaward  of  the  advancing 
sailors,  he  had  covered  but  a  short  distance 
when  he  found  himself  among  a  company  of 
demoralized  foreigners ;  their  swarthy  faces 
were  ashen  from  terror.  The  midshipman  at 
once  saw  the  danger  in  this  panic ;  already 
had  it  begun  to  spread  to  left  and  right ;  the 
companies  nearest  the  one  in  disorder  had 
halted  and  the  sailors  were  glancing  back  un- 
certainly and  with  increasing  uneasiness.  A 
general  stampede  was  not  far  distant.  The 
leader  of  this  shameless  company  appeared  to 
be  wild-eyed  with  terror.  He  seemed  power- 
less to  stop  the  threatened  rush  for  the  boats. 
The  lad  stood  transfixed  with  horror.  If  the 
infection  spread  a  panic  would  be  the  natural 
consequence,  bringing  certain  defeat  to  the 
allied  arms  and  leaving  the  mission  helpless 


96  A  UNITED  STATES 

to  the  mercy  of  the  cruel  enemy.  Without  a 
second's  hesitation  Phil  raced  up  to  the  flee- 
ing officer.  Whirling  him  about  to  face  the 
enemy,  the  lad  cried  out  in  sudden  astonish- 
ment and  misgiving,  as  he  came  face  to  face 
with  the  man  who  had  so  grossly  insulted 
him  in  the  bank  at  Ku-Ling. 

Phil  was  conscious  of  a  look  of  bitter 
hatred  on  the  stranger's  swarthy  face,  but 
there  was  no  time  to  consider  aught  save  the 
danger  of  a  panic  and  the  defeat  to  his  cap- 
tain's plans. 

"  Would  you  have  us  all  massacred  ?  Don't 
you  see  that  these  Chinese  will  run  from  you 
if  you  will  only  turn  and  charge  as  you  were 
told?"  the  lad  cried  desperately,  mena- 
cingly emphasizing  his  words  with  his  loaded 
revolver.  Then  lowering  his  voice,  he  added 
in  flinty  tones  for  only  the  officer's  ear : 
"  Now  run  straight  as  you're  heading  ;  if  you 
turn  back  I'll  blow  a  hole  through  you  ! " 

The  foreign  officer  felt  the  muzzle  of  Phil's 
revolver  prodding  between  his  shoulder- 
blades,  close  to  his  heart,  and  read  the 
determination  in  the  American's  voice. 

"  Encourage  your  men  to  follow  us,"  the 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  97 

midshipman  cried  as  the  officer  moved  for- 
ward uncertainly. 

"  Forward  !  Charge  1  "  the  officer  ordered 
in  a  voice  becoming  bolder  with  excitement 
as  he  saw  there  was  nothing  left  him  but  to 
obey. 

The  startled  sailors  recoiled  in  surprise,  mut- 
tering incoherently  to  themselves,  and  then 
seeing  their  officer  advance  on  a  trot  toward 
the  enemy's  trenches,  they  turned,  at  first 
fearfully,  then  gaining  courage,  impetuously, 
and  charged  straight  toward  the  source  of  the 
leaden  stream. 

A  quarter  of  an  hour  later,  Phil  stood  be- 
side Commander  Hughes  in  the  trenches  of 
the  enemy,  while  the  victorious  sailors  were 
following  doggedly  the  retreating  rebels. 
Langdon  stood  close  by  guarding  a  prisoner  ; 
within  the  pilot's  huge  fist  was  clutched  the 
Chinaman's  snake-like  cue,  while  he  eagerly 
questioned  the  terrified  man  in  Chinese.  The 
others  waited  impatiently  to  hear  what  intel- 
ligence could  be  extracted  from  the  much 
frightened  Oriental. 

"  I  impressed  upon  him  that  if  he  did  not 
tell  me  the  truth  that  I  would  kill  him,"  the 


98  A  UNITED  STATES 

pilot  exclaimed  hurriedly  ;  "  he  sticks  to  his 
story  that  to-night  they  are  going  to  attack 
the  big  mission  on  the  graveyard  hills." 

"  We've  but  half  succeeded,"  Commander 
Hughes  exclaimed,  the  lines  in  his  face  grow- 
ing deeper  from  anxiety.  "  We've  scattered 
the  outlaws  here  with  heavy  loss,"  the  dead 
bodies  almost  filling  the  deep  trenches  speak- 
ing eloquently  that  fact,  "  but  we  must  push 
forward  at  once  to  relieve  our  mission.  I  can- 
not sleep  another  night  until  those  innocent 
non-combatants  have  been  rescued.  My  men 
are  even  secondary,"  he  added  forcefully  ;  "  it 
is  their  duty  and  privilege  to  die  in  the  cause 
of  humanity." 

"  We  cannot  hope  to  succeed  without  oppo- 
sition," Langdon  said  ;  "  but  before  the  news 
of  our  fight  here  arouses  the  viceroy  to  action 
against  us,  we  should  relieve  the  mission, 
bringing  everybody  here  where  we  can  protect 
them.  It  is  but  a  two-hour  march  and  is  but 
the  natural  sequence  to  the  attack  we  have 
made." 

"  Quite  so,"  Commander  Hughes  agreed 
hopefully.  "  Langdon,"  he  added  in  a  sad 
voice,  "  you  don't  know  what  it  is  to  rule  a 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA  99 

dozen  different  nationalities.  It  is  a  wonder 
we  can  accomplish  anything."  Then  he 
turned  to  Phil,  who  had  listened  eagerly,  his 
young  face  full  of  concern.  "  Recall  the  sail- 
ors," he  ordered. 

After  the  men  had  been  ordered  back  from 
their  excited  pursuit  of  the  fleeing  Chinese  and 
had  fallen  into  military  order  in  rear  of  the 
captured  trenches,  the  American  commander 
gathered  the  senior  officers  of  each  nationality 
about  him  to  urge  upon  them  the  necessity  of 
prompt  action  to  relieve  the  threatened  mis- 
sion. 

Phil  started,  the  hot  blood  suffusing  his 
face,  as  he  saw  with  sinking  heart  the  rank  of 
the  foreigner  whom  he  had  humiliated  before 
his  own  men.  Three  heavy  gold  stripes  on 
the  officer's  sleeve  told  him  the  rank  was  that 
of  commander,  equal  to  that  of  his  own  cap- 
tain. This  cowardly  officer  was  then  in  com- 
mand of  one  of  the  foreign  gunboats,  but  why 
had  he  not  seen  him  before  at  the  councils  of 
the  allies  on  board  the  "Phoenix"?  Was 
this  Captain  Ignacio  of  the  "  Albaque,"  who 
had  each  time  pleaded  sickness  and  sent  a 
young  officer  to  represent  him  ? 


ioo  A  UNITED  STATES 

Further  speculation  upon  this  perplex- 
ing situation  was  cut  short  by  Commander 
Hughes'  forceful  talk  to  the  allies.  All  lis- 
tened intently  ;  the  well-modulated,  clear  voice 
of  the  American  held  his  listeners  spellbound 
with  attention,  but  many  of  the  foreigners 
showed  in  their  faces  only  too  plainly  that 
they  already  feared  the  displeasure  of  their 
governments  for  having  followed  the  lead  of 
this  strenuous  American  commander.  Was  it 
not  an  American  mission,  guarded  by  Ameri- 
can sailors  ?  Then  why  should  not  the 
Americans  rescue  their  own  people?  The 
officer  who  had  felt  the  cold  chill  of  Phil's 
revolver  was  loudest  in  his  condemnation  of 
further  attacks ;  his  arguments  were  so  clev- 
erly worded  that  he  soon  won  over  to  his  side 
the  timid  ones.  The  British  captain  alone 
stood  by  the  American  in  his  endeavors  to 
persuade  his  brother  captains  that  their  one 
chance  of  helping  the  missionaries  was  to  vig- 
orously pursue  the  advantage  already  gained. 

"We've  not  forgotten  Tatnall's  'Blood  is 
thicker  than  water,'  "  the  British  commander 
exclaimed  as  Commander  Hughes  wrung  his 
hand  warmly,  in  eloquent  silence. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         101 

"  We  must  abide  by  the  decision  of  the  ma- 
jority," Commander  Hughes  said  sorrowfully. 
"  I  dare  not  think  what  will  happen  to  those 
within  the  mission  if  my  men  cannot  with- 
stand the  attack."  Then  he  turned  flashing 
eyes  upon  the  group  of  hesitating  foreign- 
ers. 

"What  do  you  propose  ?"  he  questioned, 
controlling  the  anger  and  humiliation  in  his 
voice  with  some  difficulty. 

Phil  saw  the  officer  whom  he  had  recently 
humbled  before  his  men  cast  a  knowing  look 
at  several  of  his  co-conspirators,  and  then 
heard  him  boldly  voice  his  plan. 

"  My  compatriots,"  he  began,  "  believe  that 
this  useless  killing  of  Chinese  is  harming  our 
country's  interests.  We  have  decided  that  we 
should  send  a  flag  of  truce  to  the  viceroy  to  re- 
quest him  to  use  his  own  soldiers  to  fight 
these  Chinese  rebels." 

"  A  flag  of  truce !  "  cried  Commander 
Hughes,  in  eloquent  disdain.  "  How  will  the 
viceroy  answer  us  ?  Probably  by  throwing  the 
lifeless  carcasses  of  our  emissaries  on  the  sand 
for  the  dogs  to  feed  upon." 

Commander    Ignacio    flinched    before   the 


102  A  UNITED  STATES 

menacing  disgust  in  the  American's  face,  but 
he  held  stolidly  to  his  point,  while  all  of  the 
allies,  with  the  single  exception  of  Com- 
mander Buresford,  echoed  the  foreigner's  pro- 
posal. 

"  The  Inland  Mission  containing  over  a 
hundred  innocent  men,  women  and  children, 
is  still  in  danger  from  these  rebels,"  Com- 
mander Hughes  exclaimed  anxiously,  making 
a  last  stand  for  what  he  considered  was  vital  to 
his  cause.  "  Although  we  have  scattered  their 
forces,  they  can,  as  we  know,  quickly  regather. 
By  concerted  action,  even  without  danger  to 
ourselves  and  possibly  without  bloodshed,  we 
can  march  this  force  of  two  thousand  sailors 
over  the  seven  miles  of  intervening  country. 
By  daylight  we  can  return  here  with  these 
refugees  and  then  we  shall  be  in  a  far  better 
position  to  again  open  negotiations  with  the 
viceroy.  If  he  should  refuse  to  treat  with  us 
now — by  to-morrow  these  outlaws  will  have 
recovered  from  their  repulse.  I  beg  that 
my  brother  officers  will  agree  with  me  on  this 
point,"  he  ended  in  entreaty. 

Commander  Ignacio  craftily  refused  to 
allow  the  point  to  be  discussed  ;  he  feared  the 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         103 

persuasive  powers  of  the  earnest  and  loyal 
American. 

"  We  have  decided  that  question,"  he  re- 
plied quickly,  an  ugly  leer  on  his  face.  "  Now 
our  business  is  to  select  those  to  go  to  the 
viceroy." 

Commander  Hughes  was  about  to  suggest 
that  this  foolhardy  foreigner  should  be 
chosen,  and  was  on  the  point  of  refusing  to 
risk  the  lives  of  his  own  officers  in  such  a 
dangerous  undertaking,  when  to  his  surprise 
the  name  of  Ignacio  was  voiced  by  the  com- 
bined council. 

Phil  glanced  closely  at  the  foreigner.  The 
lad  had  heard  his  captain's  views  of  the  pos- 
sible fate  of  the  flag  of  truce.  Would  Com- 
mander Ignacio  accept  the  dangerous  post  ? 

It  seemed  plain  from  Commander  Ignacio's 
face  that  the  detail  was  not  to  his  liking,  but 
in  his  successful  attempts  to  overrule  the 
plans  of  the  American,  he  had  become  the 
avowed  leader  of  those  in  opposition  to  the 
Anglo-Saxon  policy  of  quick  action.  Phil  was 
eager  to  accompany  the  flag  of  truce,  but  to 
serve  under  Ignacio  was  indeed  disquieting. 
The  midshipman  could  see  that  his  captain 


104  A  UNITED  STATES 

was  taken  unawares  by  the  acceptance  of 
Ignacio  to  lead  the  dangerous  mission. 
Knowing  the  Chinese  as  he  did,  he  honestly 
believed  they  would  go  to  their  death. 

The  selection  of  the  other  members  of  the 
embassy  was  unanimously  left  to  the  decision 
of  their  leader,  Commander  Hughes. 

"  As  my  country  is  the  most  interested," 
the  American  declared,  "  I  shall  select  my 
own  officers."  Then  turning  to  the  midship- 
men standing  near,  Sydney  having  left  his 
company  of  sailors  to  satisfy  his  eager 
curiosity,  "  Mr.  Perry,"  the  American  com- 
mander said  in  a  low  voice,  "  you  have  shown 
yourself  worthy  of  this  trust.  I  shall  send 
you,  Mr.  Monroe  and  Langdon.  I  hope  and 
pray  that  no  harm  will  come  to  you." 

Phil  could  scarcely  believe  his  ears.  He, 
a  midshipman,  selected  for  such  an  important 
duty! 

Commander  Hughes  then  again  addressed 
the  foreign  commanders. 

"  Gentlemen,"  he  said  in  a  firm  voice,  "  I 
do  not  count  on  the  success  of  this  flag  of 
truce.  If  it  fails  we  shall  be  forced  to  attack 
the  forts  with  our  unarmored  vessels.  How- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         105 

ever,  the  decision  is  final.  My  orders  are 
that  the  embassy  be  sent  without  a  moment's 
delay.  We  shall  remain  here  until  our 
friends  return." 

Then,  dismissing  the  allies,  he  took  Lang- 
don's  arm  and  walked  toward  the  American 
sailors. 

"If  I  only  had  five  hundred  American 
sailors,"  he  declared  hotly,  "  I  would  throw 
over  these  half-hearted  allies  and  march  to 
the  relief  of  the  mission.  But  with  this  mere 
handful,  failure  would  be  assured."  Then  he 
beckoned  the  midshipmen  to  him.  "  Lang- 
don,  you  and  these  young  men  must  uphold  the 
dignity  of  our  country.  You,  Langdon,  must 
speak  directly  to  the  viceroy.  Impress  upon 
him  that  I  am  in  deadly  earnest.  If  he 
harms  the  American  mission  I  shall  not  rest 
until  his  city  is  laid  in  ashes.  I  shall  destroy 
his  arsenals  and  foundries.  The  forts  will 
not  be  able  to  resist  the  attack  of  the  Ameri- 
can monitors,  which  should  soon  arrive." 

"  The  monitors  !  "  Langdon  exclaimed. 
"  Are  they  coming  ?  " 

"  I  wish  I  could  believe  it,"  Commander 
Hughes  replied  sorrowfully.  "  But  we  must 


io6  A  UNITED  STATES 

make  the  viceroy  believe  that  we  are  hourly 
expecting  them.  He  fears  an  American 
monitor,  and  the  thought  that  they  are  com- 
ing may  act  in  our  favor." 

Preparations  went  forward  rapidly,  and  in- 
side of  half  an  hour,  Commander  Ignacio  led 
his  small  party  out  of  the  allied  camp. 

Carrying  a  large  white  flag  conspicuously 
displayed,  the  four  emissaries,  with  an  escort 
of  eight  sailors,  four  from  the  "  Phoenix  "  and 
four  from  the  foreigner's  own  gunboat,  gained 
the  road  leading  toward  the  city  of  Ku-Ling. 
Unencumbered  with  all  save  their  firearms, 
which  were  carried  for  protection  against  the 
marauding  bands  of  outlaws,  the  seven  miles 
were  quickly  covered,  and  in  less  than  two 
hours  the  city  gate  loomed  before  them. 

Approaching  the  city  wall,  Phil  saw  that 
there  was  great  commotion  at  the  gate ; 
soldiers  ran  hither  and  thither,  and  before  the 
flag  of  truce  had  arrived  near  the  stagnant 
water  of  the  moat,  there  was  a  noisy  clanking 
of  rusty  chain,  the  drawbridge  was  suddenly 
raised,  and  the  ponderous  gates  tightly  shut. 

The  midshipmen,  in  spite  of  the  precarious- 
ness  of  their  position,  could  scarcely  suppress 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         107 

a  smile  of  gratification  :  this  act  alone  spoke 
volumes ;  what  must  these  Asiatics  think  of 
the  prowess  of  the  foreigners  if  they  feared 
an  attack  from  a  dozen  men  ? 


CHAPTER  VIII 

IGNACIO    SHOWS    HIS    HAND 

As  the  drawbridge  clanked  upward,  and 
the  soldiers  disappeared  hastily  behind  the 
closing  gates,  Commander  Ignacio,  glancing 
nervously  at  Langdon,  brought  his  party  to  a 
stop. 

"  You  know  the  customs  of  these  people ; 
what  shall  we  do  ?  "  he  exclaimed  anxiously, 
betraying  that  with  all  his  vain  boasting  be- 
fore his  confreres  he  depended  upon  the 
American  pilot  to  give  him  courage  to  act. 

"  They  have  raised  the  drawbridge  until 
the  viceroy  can  be  notified,"  Langdon 
answered  calmly  ;  "  I  don't  consider  we  are 
in  much  danger  ;  of  course  the  Chinese  never 
do  what  might  be  expected  of  them.  If  they 
opened  fire  now  we  couldn't  escape,"  he 
added,  casting  a  swift  glance  of  disdain  at  the 
nervous  officer  and  giving  the  midshipmen  a 
covert  wink  ;  "  so  we  might  as  well  put  on  a 
bold  front."  Suiting  his  action  to  his  words, 
108 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         109 

he  threw  himself  down  on  the  ground,  as  if 
he  intended  to  be  comfortable  while  the 
viceroy  indulged  himself  in  his  Oriental 
diplomacy  of  wearing  out  the  patience  of  those 
who  wished  to  treat  with  him. 

Over  an  hour  passed  anxiously  for  the 
foreigners ;  conversation  was  fragmentary  and 
pointless.  Under  the  eyes  and  within  close 
range  of  a  semi-civilized  enemy,  who  might 
refuse  to  recognize  a  flag  of  truce,  their  posi- 
tion was  not  calculated  to  inspire  confidence. 
Then  the  drawbridge  creaked  slowly  down, 
and  a  gorgeously  dressed  official  advanced 
through  the  opened  gate,  preceded  by  a  white 
flag  and  followed  by  an  armed  guard  of 
soldiers. 

Commander  Ignacio  and  his  party  rose 
hastily  to  meet  them. 

After  the  elaborate  Chinese  ceremony  of 
greeting  had  been  concluded,  the  mandarin 
turned  to  Commander  Ignacio,  and  inquired 
his  mission. 

"  We  have  come  to  see  the  viceroy,"  Ignacio 
replied  in  English,  for  the  Chinaman  was  no 
other  than  the  interpreter,  whom  Phil  had 
seen  so  discomfited  the  day  before. 


no  A  UNITED  STATES 

With  a  nod  of  approval,  the  mandarin 
beckoned  that  all  should  follow,  and  led  the 
way  across  the  drawbridge  and  into  the  ill- 
smelling  city. 

The  emissaries  and  their  guards  passed  at  a 
rapid  pace  through  the  narrow  and  dirty 
streets ;  the  curious  inmates  of  the  walled 
city  kept  at  a  respectful  distance,  their  faces 
expressing  wonder  rather  than  hatred. 

Phil,  noticing  the  change  in  their  demeanor 
from  the  day  before,  called  it  to  Langdon's 
attention. 

"  Yes,"  the  pilot  assured  him,  "  it's  a  good 
sign  ;  the  will  of  the  mandarins  is  always  re- 
flected in  the  faces  of  the  lower  classes.  They 
hate  us  just  as  much  as  ever,  but  the  brisk 
work  at  Lien-Chow  has  shown  them  that  we 
are  able  to  carry  out  our  threats." 

Upon  their  arrival  at  the  yamen,  the 
viceroy  received  the  foreigners  at  the  second 
door,  one  door  nearer  the  entrance  than 
where  he  had  received  Commander  Hughes. 
This  did  not  fail  to  impress  the  visitors. 
After  all,  was  Chang-Li-Hun  prepared  to 
make  terms  ? 

The  viceroy  was  accompanied  by 'the  same 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         111 

mandarins  whom  Phil  had  seen  the  day  be- 
fore, and  in  contrast  to  their  master's  sphinx- 
like  face  their  features  betrayed  the  apprehen- 
sion which  they  doubtless  felt. 

Chang-Li-Hun  seated  himself  at  the  head 
of  the  table,  motioning  Commander  Ignacio 
to  a  chair  on  his  left. 

After  all  were  seated,  refreshments  were 
brought,  and  silence  was  preserved  until  the 
viceroy  signed  that  the  table  be  cleared  ;  then 
turning  to  Langdon  he  inquired  courteously 
in  Chinese  the  wishes  of  the  flag  of  truce. 

The  pilot,  after  a  motion  of  consent  had 
been  received  from  the  leader,  informed  the 
mandarin  of  Commander  Hughes'  terms. 
Phil  watched  his  friend's  face  closely, 
glancing  occasionally  at  the  dignified  old 
Chinaman,  whom  nothing  apparently  could 
move. 

"  There  is  a  hostile  movement  against  the 
foreigners  in  your  provinces,"  Langdon  com- 
menced in  the  mandarin's  language,  using  all 
the  flowery  and  diplomatic  terms  which  these 
astute  diplomats  clung  to  so  closely.  "  This 
movement  can  exist  only  through  your  toler- 
ance. We  do  not  claim  that  your  Excellency 


112  A  UNITED  STATES 

is  giving  it  active  support,  but  you  are  tak- 
ing no  steps  to  smother  it.  That  being  the 
case,  the  allied  powers  have  taken  the  law  in 
their  own  hands.  Having  discovered  that  an 
army  of  rebels  were  concentrating  at  Lien- 
Chow,  only  seven  miles  from  your  Excel- 
lency's city,  with  the  avowed  intention  of  at- 
tacking the  American  mission  and  massacring 
the  inmates,  the  allies  have  but  a  few  hours 
ago  attacked  them  in  their  stronghold  and 
dispersed  them  with  many  killed,  while  not  a 
foreigner  has  been  hurt.  These  rebels  were 
permitted  to  collect  despite  the  fact  that  you 
have  seven  thousand  soldiers  under  your 
orders  capable  of  suppressing  these  outlaws. 
Commander  Hughes  has  directed  us  to  say 
that  if  your  Excellency  will  give  his  honor- 
able word  upon  the  spirit  of  his  father  that 
no  further  outrages  will  be  permitted,  and 
that  he  will  protect  with  his  soldiers  the  Ameri- 
can mission,  and  also  cause  to  be  issued  and 
posted  throughout  the  provinces  orders  to  de- 
sist from  attacks  on  Christian  con  verts  and  their 
teachers,  then  the  foreign  sailors  will  be  at 
once  withdrawn  from  China's  soil." 

Chang-Li-Hun's  face  was  barren  of  expres- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         113 

sion  while  the  pilot  was  delivering  himself  of 
this  long  speech. 

"  I  am  not  the  general  of  the  soldiers,"  he 
craftily  replied  ;  "  suppose  I,  a  civilian,  should 
give  the  soldiers  orders  to  protect  foreign- 
ers, how  may  I  be  assured  that  they  will 
obey?" 

Langdon  fearlessly  gazed  at  the  aged 
mandarin,  whom  he  knew  was  trying,  as  the 
Chinese  say,  "  to  throw  dust  in  his  eyes." 

"  Is  not  the  Tartar  general  under  the  orders 
of  the  viceroy?"  he  asked  uncompromisingly. 

"  I  may  give  an  order,"  the  viceroy  an- 
swered evasively,  "  but  I  am  not  a  soldier ; 
then  how  shall  I  risk  the  displeasure  of  my 
father's  spirit,  when  I  would  not  know  if  it 
were  being  enforced  ?  " 

By  the  viceroy's  words  his  treachery  was 
unmasked.  Langdon  had  been  told  in  the 
strictest  confidence  by  Emmons  that  General 
Hang-Ki  had  embraced  secretly  the  Christian 
belief;  not  suspecting  this,  the  viceroy  had 
put  his  foot  into  a  trap  by  insinuating  that 
the  general  could  not  be  depended  upon  to 
carry  out  orders  to  protect  the  foreigners  and 
the  thousands  of  Christian  Chinese,  who  were 


H4  A  UNITED  STATES 

alike  called  foreigners  by  the  fanatical  anti- 
Christians. 

"Where  can  the  general  be  found?" 
Langdon  inquired  finally. 

"  His  residence  is  in  the  forts,"  the  viceroy 
answered. 

"  Then  our  mission  is  with  him,"  the  pilot 
declared,  rising  from  his  chair ;  "  your  Excel- 
lency then  will  agree  to  give  the  order  and  I 
shall  endeavor  to  obtain  his  promise  to  consci- 
entiously carry  it  out.  My  captain's  one 
desire  is  to  spare  the  misguided  people  of  the 
city  from  the  further  vengeance  of  the  foreign 
powers." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?  "  the  viceroy  asked, 
for  a  second  dropping  his  mask  and  gazing  at 
the  pilot  through  worried  eyes. 

"  I  mean,"  Langdon  answered,  raising  his 
voice  to  be  heard  throughout  the  room,  "  that 
if  the  Chinese  soldiers  and  these  outlaws,  call- 
ing themselves  patriots,  insist  upon  massa- 
cring the  inoffensive  foreigners  and  their  fol- 
lowers, such  a  fire  of  shot  and  shell  will  be 
thrown  into  this  city  by  the  allied  fleet  that 
all  property  will  be  destroyed." 

The  aged  mandarin  started  perceptibly  at 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         115 

hearing  these  menacing  words  ;  then  he  seemed 
to  arrive  at  some  conclusion,  for  his  parchment- 
like  face  betrayed  a  faint  smile  as  he  motioned 
the  pilot  to  be  again  seated. 

"  How  will  the  fleet  bombard  Ku-Ling  ? " 
he  inquired;  "your  ships  cannot  again  pass 
the  forts  if  I  order  them  to  fire  upon  you." 

"  Your  Excellency,"  Langdon  answered 
boldly,  "  has  forgotten  that  two  American 
monitors  are  now  on  their  way  to  join  the 
allied  fleet.  With  the  addition  of  these  vessels, 
our  ships  do  not  fear  the  fire  of  your  forts ; 
besides  you  will  know  that  if  the  American 
commander  orders  it  our  sailors  can  take  the 
forts  with  ease  by  storm.  Our  captain  is  in 
earnest,"  he  urged,  believing  from  the  viceroy's 
attitude  that  he  was  weakening.  "  If  the 
mission  on  the  hill  which  is  under  your  pro- 
tection is  harmed  he  will  at  once  put  into 
effect  his  plans  to  reduce  the  forts  and  des- 
troy your  city." 

"  I  shall  send  for  the  general,"  the  viceroy 
finally  announced.  "  He  may  be  some  hours 
in  arriving,  and  meanwhile  you  may  rest 
after  your  journey." 

The  party  arose,  following  the  interpreter, 


n6  A  UNITED  STATES 

and  shortly  found  themselves  in  a  plainly- 
furnished  room,  where  he  left  them  abruptly. 

Langdon  immediately  explained  his  con- 
versation with  the  viceroy,  and  expressed 
himself  as  certain  that  the  flag  of  truce  would 
be  successful. 

Phil  had  not  as  yet  been  addressed  by 
Commander  Ignacio,  and  naturally  felt  dis- 
inclined to  join  in  the  conversation.  He  had 
surprised  many  furtive  glances  from  the  for- 
eign captain,  and  was  sure  they  were  not  of 
good  omen  ;  however,  now  he  smiled  pleas- 
antly at  the  two  midshipmen,  without  a  trace 
of  the  ill  nature  with  which  Phil  felt  he  re- 
garded him. 

"  This  was  my  idea  from  the  start,"  Com- 
mander Ignacio  exclaimed  boastfully  ;  "  that 
fire-eating  captain  of  yours  came  near  getting 
us  in  a  nice  muddle,  but  I  believe  I  shall 
straighten  it  all  out." 

Phil's  anger  flared  into  his  eyes  at  hearing 
this  direct  slur  upon  Commander  Hughes' 
actions,  but  his  training  had  taught  him  sub- 
ordination, and  he  controlled  the  words  of 
censure  that  came  readily  to  his  lips. 

Langdon  however  was  not  so  diplomatic. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         117 

"  I  beg  to  differ,  Commander  Ignacio,"  he 
exclaimed  hotly  ;  "  Commander  Hughes'  acts 
have  made  this  truce  possible.  Until  he 
showed  that  he  was  in  earnest  by  attacking 
and  capturing  Lien-Chow  the  viceroy  would 
not  have  received  us  at  all."  The  foreigner's 
expression  changed  suddenly,  and  as  he  saw 
the  midshipmen  unconsciously  nod  in  ap- 
proval of  the  pilot's  words,  a  scowl  of  bitter 
hatred  appeared  on  his  swarthy  face. 

"  You  Americans  are  an  insolent  race,"  he 
cried  angrily.  "  What  do  you  know  about  such 
matters  ? "  he  continued  violently,  turning 
scornfully  on  Langdon  ;  "  you  are  merely  a 
hired  pilot." 

Phil's  greatest  fear  seemed  on  the  point  of 
being  realized ;  this  braggart  might  spoil  all 
through  his  self-conceit.  Until  now  all  had 
gone  smoothly ;  the  viceroy  had  as  much  as 
shown  that  he  was  ready  and  willing  to  make 
terms,  and  now  this  incompetent  coward  had 
shown  his  ugly  hand. 

"  Don't  answer  him,  Langdon,"  Phil  whis- 
pered, laying  a  restraining  hand  on  the  pilot's 
arm  ;  "  nothing  that  he  can  say  will  affect  our 
confidence  in  you." 


1 18  A  UNITED  STATES 

The  anger  died  on  Langdon's  face  as  he  re- 
alized the  logic  in  the  lad's  words,  and  then 
the  strained  situation  was  relieved  by  the 
arrival  of  the  interpreter. 

"  His  Excellency,  the  general,  was  fortu- 
nately in  the  city,"  he  explained,  "  and  was 
readily  found  ;  he  now  waits  in  the  viceroy's 
audience-chamber." 

The  foreigners  were  presently  again  before 
the  high  mandarin. 

Phil  gazed  admiringly  at  the  stranger, 
whom  he  knew  must  be  the  Tartar  general. 
The  Manchu  stood  over  six  feet  in  height,  his 
skin  bronzed  by  exposure,  in  striking  contrast 
to  the  almost  effeminate  appearance  of  the 
Chinese  mandarins  about  him.  The  fierce- 
ness of  his  Tartar  ancestors  looked  from  his 
dark  almond-shaped  eyes ;  he  seemed  to  the 
lad  an  embodiment  of  those  of  his  race  who 
had  many  centuries  before  under  the  great 
Ghenkis  Khan  overrun  the  whole  of  Asia, 
carrying  their  victorious  banners  even  into 
Europe  ;  here  was  the  soldier  leader  whose  an- 
cestors had  followed  no  other  calling. 

The  conference  was  again  opened  by  the 
viceroy's  thin  voice. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         119 

"  Upon  investigation  I  find  that  the  general 
was  not  informed  of  the  presence  at  Lien- 
Chow  of  these  outlaws.  I  myself  knew  noth- 
ing of  it.  The  mission  was  safe  in  my  keep- 
ing, but  when  your  commander  lands  an 
armed  force  on  the  soil  of  China,  he  must 
take  the  consequences ;  I  dare  not  interfere  as 
long  as  there  is  a  single  foreign  sailor  on  our 
shore.  Before  I  can  treat  with  you,  every 
armed  man  must  be  first  withdrawn  and  the 
ships  again  anchored  in  the  Yangtse  River  ; 
the  To-Yan  Lake  is  by  royal  decree  forbid- 
den water,  and  I  must  demand  that  the  war- 
ships leave  there  immediately." 

Langdon  gazed  in  surprise  at  the  old  dip- 
lomat. Could  reliance  be  placed  in  his  im- 
plied willingness  to  make  terms  after  the 
sailors  were  withdrawn  from  China's  soil  and 
the  ships  anchored  again  in  the  river? 

"That  is  quite  impossible,"  Langdon  an- 
swered promptly.  "Commander  Hughes  will 
not  withdraw  from  China's  soil  until  he  has 
received  your  promise  given  on  the  sacred 
spirit  of  your  father." 

"  When  your  commander  has  anchored 
his  fleet  at  Ku-Ling  and  then  comes  to  me 


120  A  UNITED  STATES 

apologizing  for  entering  the  forbidden  lake, 
then  I  will  give  my  decision,  but  not  until 
then,"  the  viceroy  cried  angrily.  "  I  have 
washed  my  hands  of  your  mission  ;  by  put- 
ting sailors  there  your  captain  has  taken  it 
from  my  protection." 

Langdon  was  so  intent  upon  his  conversa- 
tion with  the  viceroy  that  he  failed  to  notice 
that  Commander  Ignacio  had  changed  his  seat 
to  one  beside  the  interpreter,  and  that  in  low 
tones  the  latter  had  given  the  foreigner  the 
details  of  the  conversation  upon  which  so 
much  depended.  The  pilot  now  turned  to 
apprise  this  officer  of  the  latest  demand  of  the 
arch  villain,  but  to  his  consternation  the 
foreign  commander  had  risen  to  his  feet,  his 
black  eyes  snapping  with  importance,  and 
waved  the  American  to  silence,  then  turn- 
ing to  the  interpreter  at  his  elbow  exclaimed 
in  English  : 

"  I  consider  that  the  viceroy's  demands  are 
just.  I  was  from  the  first  against  this  ill- 
judged  action.  Tell  his  Excellency  as  senior 
member  of  this  flag  of  truce,  I  shall  agree  to 
these  terms,  and  am  sure  my  colleagues,  with  the 
exception  of  this  American,  will  uphold  me." 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         121 

A  smile  of  triumph  played  about  the  corners 
of  the  viceroy's  cruel  mouth  while  the  in- 
terpreter gave  him  the  meaning  of  Commander 
Ignacio's  rash  words. 

"  So,"  he  thought,  "  the  foreigners  are  not 
of  one  mind."  The  clever  diplomat  believed 
that  he  had  at  last  found  a  way  to  pierce  the 
armor  of  the  despised  foreigner. 


CHAPTER  IX 

HELD    AS    HOSTAGES 

THE  Americans  were  speechless  with  amaze- 
ment. Phil  was  confident  that  he  read 
triumph  in  the  spiteful  face  of  the  foreign 
commander.  Langdon  gazed  with  unfeigned 
disgust  at  the  officer  who  had  brought  defeat 
to  the  allies.  This  wily  Chinaman  would 
now  refuse  to  interfere  with  the  unlawful  acts 
of  his  subjects ;  trusting  to  the  dissensions  of 
the  allies  to  bring  their  punitive  efforts  to 
naught.  All  realized  that  now  even  their 
own  lives  were  in  peril,  and  they  were  power- 
less to  interfere.  Commander  Ignacio  was  the 
appointed  head  of  the  embassy  and  his  de- 
cision was  authoritative. 

The  Americans  quickly  learned  the  ill 
effects  of  the  traitor's  words,  for  the  viceroy  at 
once  disregarded  the  pilot's  presence  and  in 
the  most  insulting  tone  turned  to  his  inter- 
preter. 

"  His  Excellency,"  that  Chinaman  said 
122 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         123 

upon  the  completion  of  the  viceroy's  ulti- 
matum, "sees  that  the  ranking  officer  has 
more  intelligence  than  his  low  caste  com- 
panions, and  that  as  he  has  given  his  promise 
that  an  apology  will  be  made,  his  Excellency 
will  at  once  set  him  at  liberty  to  return  to  his 
people.  And  his  Excellency  further  warns 
his  compatriots  that  if  the  sailors  are  not 
withdrawn  within  twenty-four  hours  to  their 
ships,  and  if  the  fleet  does  not  leave  the  To- 
Yan  Lake,  that  the  lives  of  those  held  as 
hostages  will  pay  the  penalty." 

Phil,  throwing  discretion  to  the  winds,  was 
upon  his  feet  before  the  interpreter  had  finished 
his  threatening  sentences. 

"  Commander  Ignacio,"  he  exclaimed,  be- 
side himself  with  anger  and  mortification, 
"can  you  not  see  what  you  have  done? 
The  viceroy  offers  you  your  freedom  ;  you 
must  at  once  insist  that  we  are  under  the 
sacred  protection  of  a  flag  of  truce  and  that 
he  has  not  the  right  to  detain  us." 

"Are  you  then  so  anxious  about  your 
precious  skin  ?  "  the  foreigner  answered,  an 
expression  of  intense  dislike  on  his  swarthy 
face. 


124  A  UNITED  STATES 

The  viceroy  had  risen,  taking  the  arm  of 
an  assistant.  He  bowed  formally,  and  moved 
away  toward  his  own  apartments. 

Langdon  heard  his  parting  instructions  to 
his  interpreter. 

"  Hold  these  American  dogs  and  send  the 
others  back  to  their  own  people.  Let  their 
commander  tell  them  that  when  their  sailors 
have  ceased  to  pollute  Chinese  soil  then  I 
shall  treat  with  them.  And  to  show  my 
displeasure  at  the  attack  of  the  foreigners 
upon  our  innocent  people,  I  shall  hold  these 
dogs  as  hostages." 

Realizing  his  helplessness,  the  pilot  was 
silent,  and  he  and  the  midshipmen  allowed 
themselves  to  be  led  away  by  the  waiting 
guards. 

Commander  Ignacio  gave  Phil  a  look  of 
triumph  as  he  passed  him,  which  glance  the 
lad  returned  proudly.  Doubtless  this  des- 
picable man  believed  he  had  won  a  signal 
victory  over  the  midshipman  who  had  ac- 
cused him  of  cowardice  before  his  own  men. 

The  Americans  were  conducted  to  a  room 
outside  of  the  council-chamber  of  the  yamen. 
All  were  too  crestfallen  and  disappointed 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         125 

with  the  turn  affairs  had  taken  to  care  what 
their  fate  might  be.  Through  the  windows 
of  the  room  they  saw  the  traitor  and  his  four 
sailors  pass  along  the  courtyard  on  the  way 
back  to  the  camp  of  the  allies,  and  a  few 
moments  afterward,  their  own  sailors  were 
brought  and  shoved  roughly  into  the  room 
where  their  officers  were  held  captive. 

"  If  that  villain,"  Langdon  exclaimed 
angrily,  "  had  only  kept  quiet,  we  should  all 
have  been  returning  by  now.  He  played 
right  into  the  viceroy's  hands." 

"  It  is  all  my  own  doing,"  Phil  moaned. 
"  Why  didn't  I  tell  our  captain  the  kind  of 
man  he  was  ?  " 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?  "  Sydney  and 
Langdon  asked  in  a  breath. 

Phil  told  of  the  attack  on  Lien-Chow  and 
of  the  cowardly  part  Commander  Ignacio 
had  played. 

"Well,  if  that  isn't  the  queerest  I  "  the  pilot 
exclaimed  after  the  midshipman  had  finished  ; 
"  Commander  Hughes  in  my  hearing  com- 
plimented him  upon  the  fearless  attack  of  his 
men ;  they  were  the  first  in  the  enemy's 
trenches  after  the  Americans  and  English. 


126  A  UNITED  STATES 

And  it  was  you  that  put  wings  to  their  leader's 
feet." 

The  pilot's  laugh  sounded  so  incongruous 
that  the  Chinese  guards  glanced  suspiciously 
inside,  fearing  that  the  handful  of  foreigners 
might  be  planning  some  daring  escape. 

"  I  feel  that  it  is  my  fault,"  Phil  repeated 
penitently.  "  I  alone  am  responsible  for  our 
captivity." 

"  Cheer  up,  lad  !  "  Langdon  exclaimed. 
"  It  might  be  worse.  The  viceroy  will  soon 
find  that  Commander  Ignacio  will  not  be 
supported.  He  will  not  dare  to  hold  us 
long." 

But  the  pilot,  with  his  wide  knowledge  of 
the  Chinese,  did  not  know  the  capacity  for 
cruelty  of  this  aged  mandarin. 

Even  as  the  pilot  spoke,  the  room  filled 
with  soldiers,  who  disarmed  the  Americans, 
binding  their  hands  behind  them  and  atttach- 
ing  heavy  chains  to  their  ankles.  Langdon 
began  to  caution  the  sailors  to  submit  without 
resistance,  but  before  he  could  give  the  advice 
a  stalwart  sailor  had  picked  up  a  heavy  chair 
and  floored  the  nearest  of  the  Chinese  soldiers. 

The  sailors  were  quickly  taken  away,  and 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         127 

after  their  work  was  completed  the  guards 
withdrew,  leaving  the  midshipmen  and  the 
pilot  bound  upon  the  hard  floor.  The  tight 
cords  on  their  wrists  cut  cruelly  into  the  flesh. 

Phil  gave  himself  over  to  despair  ;  he  could 
see  no  way  out  of  their  terrible  predicament. 
Langdon,  breathing  heavily  beside  him,  was 
silent,  while  Sydney  was  speechless  with 
anger  and  mortification. 

After  several  minutes  the  interpreter  entered 
their  prison  ;  his  sallow  face  betrayed  not  a 
spark  of  sympathy  as  he  told  Langdon  to  be 
prepared  to  receive  the  sentence  of  punish- 
ment at  the  hands  of  the  viceroy. 

The  pilot  growled  an  answer  in  Chinese 
which  caused  the  interpreter's  face  to  show  a 
shade  of  annoyance ;  then  he  answered  in 
English,  glancing  fiercely  at  his  captives. 

"  We  respect  a  flag  of  truce,  but  those  who 
land  on  friendly  soil  and  attack  innocent 
villagers  are  not  entitled  to  its  protection." 

Phil  would  have  denied  the  Chinaman's  as- 
sertions, but  the  next  second  he  was  roughly 
dragged  to  his  feet,  and  with  his  companions, 
led  into  the  private  apartments  of  the  viceroy. 

There  the  mandarin  was  seated  comfortably 


128  A  UNITED  STATES 

in  his  chair  of  state,  enjoying  hugely  the 
discomfiture  of  the  foreigners.  One  by  one 
the  Americans  were  forced  down  upon  their 
knees  before  the  viceroy  ;  the  guards  zealously 
pulling  the  hair  of  the  helpless  ones  as  a 
caution  to  obey  quietly. 

While  Chang-Li-Hun  spoke  to  Langdon 
in  a  low  voice,  the  midshipmen  were  held 
down  on  their  knees,  their  heads  bent  forward, 
and  as  each  moved  to  ease  his  cramped  limbs, 
the  cruel  hands  of  the  soldiers  would  inflict 
some  new  and  painful  torture  to  keep  them 
motionless.  The  strain  was  well-nigh  un- 
bearable ;  the  body  bending  forward  brought 
a  heavy  and  increasing  strain  on  the  wrist 
bindings. 

"Your  two  companions  being  officers  of  a 
foreign  navy  under  arms  on  China's  soil, 
I  have  the  right  to  hold  them  for  punishment 
and  execution,  if  I  so  desire.  You  being  but  a 
civilian,  if  you  will  apologize  publicly  I 
will  set  you  free  at  once,"  the  viceroy  said  in 
a  conciliatory  voice. 

The  pilot  stoutly  refused  to  accept  his 
clemency. 

"  Would  your  commander  really  dare  at- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         119 

tempt  to  bombard  my  city  ?  "  the  mandarin 
continued  curiously. 

The  severe  pain  at  his  wrists  spurred 
Langdon  on  to  picture  blackly  the  doom 
awaiting  the  self-satisfied  and  treacherous 
official. 

"If  you  hold  these  officers  captive,  the 
American  commander  will  not  rest  until  he 
has  set  them  at  liberty.  If  you  harm  a  hair 
of  their  heads  he  will  raze  your  city  to  the 
ground  and  every  shell  will  be  directed  at 
this  yamen.  The  inside  of  the  wall  will  be 
as  desolate  as  that  of  your  great  city  of 
Nanking  after  the  Taiping  rebels  had  sacked 
it." 

The  viceroy  turned  livid  with  uncontrolled 
rage.  He  spurned  the  bound  prisoner  with 
his  foot,  while  the  soldiers,  seeing  the  anger 
in  their  master's  face,  pulled  the  hair  and 
beard  of  the  helpless  man. 

Langdon  was  now  beside  himself.  By 
a  mighty  effort,  he  bore  back  upon  the 
soldiers,  his  great  strength  scattering  them 
with  ease,  and  then  he  raised  his  head  and 
gazed  full  into  the  face  of  the  viceroy. 

"  By   holding  us  as  hostages  you  are  but 


130  A  UNITED  STATES 

signing  your  own  death-warrant.  Our  mis- 
sion here  was  for  your  own  good.  Your  peo- 
ple will  suffer,  but  the  mandarins  are  those 
whom  Commander  Hughes  desires  to  punish. 
You  know  that  if  your  city  is  destroyed  by 
the  foreign  fleet  you  must  either  commit 
suicide  or  falsify  the  reports  to  Peking  which 
in  time  will  be  discovered.  If  you  liberate  us 
at  once  and  give  your  promise  that  foreigners 
will  be  protected,  even  now  you  can  redeem 
your  action." 

Chang-Li-Hun  could  hardly  believe  his 
ears.  He  had  never  been  talked  to  so  plainly 
in  all  his  life.  His  mandarins  stood  near  him, 
the  scowls  on  their  outraged  faces  betokening 
evil  for  the  helpless  Americans. 

Langdon  was,  at  a  motion  from  the  viceroy, 
quickly  restrained,  and  struggling  violently 
in  the  hands  of  numerous  soldiers  was  borne 
out  of  the  council-chamber.  The  midship- 
men's guards  were  severe  as  they  dragged  the 
unresisting  lads  from  the  presence  of  the 
viceroy. 

"  I  fear  I've  made  a  worse  muddle  of  it," 
the  pilot  exclaimed  dolefully,  after  they  were 
again  alone  in  the  room  which  for  the  present 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         131 

served  as  their  prison.  Then  he  recounted  to 
his  companions  what  had  passed  between  him 
and  the  powerful  mandarin. 

"  We  can  hope  for  no  immediate  relief  from 
our  people,"  Phil  declared  dejectedly.  "  Even 
though  the  allies  condemn  Ignacio's  actions 
and  are  willing  to  aid  in  our  release,  they  can- 
not storm  the  city  by  land  from  Lien-Chow. 
First  the  fleet  must  pass  through  the  fire  of 
the  forts." 

"  There  is  one  other  chance,"  Langdon  re- 
plied hopefully.  "The  viceroy  is  certainly 
acting  without  or  perhaps  even  contrary  to 
orders  from  Peking.  I  could  tell  that  by  the 
anger  in  his  face  when  I  accused  him  of  it. 
His  government  is  being  kept  in  the  dark. 
It  knows  nothing  of  the  conditions  within  his 
provinces.  If  the  foreign  ambassadors  in 
Peking  have  back-bone  enough  to  insist  upon 
knowing  the  state  of  affairs,  the  throne  will 
ask  for  reports,  and  Chang-Li-Hun,  as  power- 
ful as  he  is,  must  disclose  his  treachery.  If 
these  reports  are  not  satisfactory  to  the  am- 
bassadors and  at  the  same  time  if  sufficient 
fear  can  be  put  into  the  emperor's  heart  by 
intimidating  him  with  the  threat  of  another 


132  A  UNITED  STATES 

sack  of  the  capital  by  the  foreign  soldiers, 
then  he  will  send  one  of  his  trusted  Manchu 
generals  with  an  army  at  his  back,  from  a 
neighboring  province.  When  once  these  sol- 
diers have  arrived  in  front  of  the  viceroy's 
yamen  then  Chang-Li-Hun  must  acknowledge 
himself  beaten." 

"  Meanwhile  what  is  going  to  happen  to 
us?  "  Sydney  asked. 

"  Come,  brace  up,  Syd,"  cried  Phil,  trying 
hard  to  appear  cheerful.  "  We've  been  in  as 
bad  a  place  before.  If  our  time  has  come, 
nothing  that  we  can  say  or  do  will  stop  it," 

"  It  isn't  that  I  am  afraid  of  what's  going 
to  happen,"  Sydney  exclaimed  in  a  hurt  voice. 
"  If  they'd  given  us  a  show  it  wouldn't  have 
mattered  ;  but  to  violate  a  truce  !  That's  what 
makes  me  feel  like  tearing  these  shackles  off 
and  throttling  every  Chinaman  in  sight,  and 
to  feel  I  can't  makes  me  wish  to  use  all  the 
bad  words  that  I  know." 

Phil  could  barely  suppress  a  laugh  ; 
Sydney  had  described  his  own  feeling  more 
accurately  than  he  could  himself. 

"  We  may  just  as  well  keep  our  tempers," 
Phil  replied  philosophically.  "  It  only  wastes 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         133 

one's  strength  to  get  angry,  and  we'll  probably 
need  all  the  endurance  we  have  before  we  are 
again  with  our  own  people." 

"  Did  the  captain  send  any  telegrams  to  the 
admiral  or  Washington  about  the  state  of 
affairs  ?  "  Langdon  asked  suddenly. 

"  Yes,  he  sent  one  yesterday  and  one  was 
given  to  the  Chinese  operator  in  the  conces- 
sion this  morning,"  Phil  replied.  "  The  last 
one  was  a  long  one  and  outlined  what  he  in- 
tended doing,  with  his  reasons.  They  were 
all  in  cipher.  I  helped  him  prepare  them." 

"  They  haven't  gone  further  than  the  vice- 
roy's waste  paper  basket,"  Langdon  returned. 
"  He  will  guard  every  outlet  for  news.  Doubt- 
less his  version  of  the  actions  of  the  foreign- 
ers will  be  wired,  unless  he  sees  fit  to  remain 
silent." 

"  How  can  he  remain  silent?"  Sydney  in- 
quired. "  The  gunboats  came  here  believing 
that  there  was  going  to  be  trouble.  Surely  if 
the  foreign  governments  do  not  hear  from 
their  representatives  they  will  be  suspicious." 

"  It's  too  deep  for  me  this  time,"  Langdon 
declared.  "  The  viceroy  knows  what  he's  do- 
ing ;  that  I  can  assure  you.  History  usually 


i34  A  UNITED  STATES 

repeats  itself  in  these  Chinese  troubles,  and  he 
is  probably  banking  on  the  timidity  of  the 
foreign  governments.  If  the  plain  unvarnished 
facts  of  the  attack  on  Lien-Chow  got  to  Wash- 
ington with  no  word  from  Commander 
Hughes,  what  would  happen  ?  That  is  what 
Chang-Li-Hun  is  counting  on." 

"  The  president  would  wire  for  particulars," 
Phil  answered. 

"  Yes,  and  he  wouldn't  get  them,"  Langdon 
returned  ;  "  and  then  what  would  happen  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know,  but  the  viceroy  believes  he 
does  and  he  hopes  that  Washington  will  act 
in  such  a  way  as  to  give  the  victory  to  Chang- 
Li-Hun." 

As  the  pilot's  voice  died  away,  the  predic- 
ament of  himself  and  companions  came  home 
forcibly  to  Phil.  His  arms  and  legs  were 
swollen,  causing  him  great  pain,  and,  the 
thought  of  the  further  cruelty  of  those  who 
held  them  captives  was  not  pleasant. 

"Is  there  no  way  to  escape?"  the  lad 
asked,  glancing  about  the  insecure  looking 
prison. 

"  We  might  succeed  in  getting  out  of  the 
yamen,"  Langdon  answered  discouragingly, 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         135 

"  but  we  could  never  expect  to  get  out  of  the 
city.  There  are  but  two  gates,  and  both  are 
heavily  guarded  at  all  times.  Once  we  are 
missed  from  here  the  news  would  travel  with 
the  speed  of  wireless  telegraphy  throughout 
the  city.  No,  we  are  as  secure  as  if  we  were 
on  a  desert  island." 

"Can't  we  bribe  the  guards?"  Sydney 
asked,  casting  a  contemptuous  glance  at  the 
ragged  soldier  at  the  door. 

"  What  have  we  to  bribe  with  ?  "  Langdon 
asked  mournfully.  "  I  haven't  a  cent  about 
me." 

"  The  green  jade  ring  my  grateful  China- 
man gave  me  !  "  Phil  exclaimed. 

The  Americans  took  heart  at  the  thought 
of  this  priceless  possession. 

"  Guard  it  carefully,"  Langdon  cautioned  ; 
"  it  may  save  us." 

"  Does  Commander  Ignacio  really  believe," 
Sydney  asked  suddenly,  "  that  Commander 
Hughes  will  apologize  to  the  viceroy  ?  " 

"  That  traitor  Ignacio  knows  that  he  will 
not !  "  Phil  exclaimed  angrily  at  the  thought 
of  his  treachery.  "  There's  more  in  this  than 
we  understand.  It's  a  plot  to  defeat  our 


136  A  UNITED  STATES 

captain,  and  he  with  only  his  small  force  is 
powerless  if  the  other  nations  side  with  this 
villain.  Our  only  hope  is  that  the  other 
foreigners  will  not  stand  for  Ignacio's  cowardly 
agreement." 

"  Those  in  the  mission,"  Langdon  said  with 
alarm  in  his  voice,  "  are  in  a  worse  plight 
than  ever.  Unless  Commander  Hughes  finds 
himself  strong  enough  to  relieve  the  mission 
it  will  sooner  or  later  be  attacked  ;  our  fifty 
sailors  cannot  withstand  a  long  siege  against 
the  Chinese  regular  troops." 

The  more  Phil  speculated  upon  the  situ- 
ation the  more  perplexing  it  seemed.  Numbers 
of  helpless  foreign  missionaries  were  scattered 
among  the  cities  of  the  provinces.  Even  now 
many  might  have  been  killed  by  the  lawless 
element.  In  the  past  many  missionaries  had 
been  killed  by  mobs  stirred  to  violence  by 
printed  circulars  sent  out  openly  by  the 
mandarins.  Would  the  firm  stand  of  the 
foreigners  deter  the  mandarins  from  giving 
license  to  their  people  to  destroy?  Phil  knew 
that  this  was  his  captain's  hope. 

Langdon's  voice  interrupted  the  lad's  mus- 
ings. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA 


'37 


"  We  shall  be  separated,"  he  said  dejectedly. 
"  Please  don't  be  rash.  Remember  the  cruelty 
of  these  people.  They  might  kill  in  a  fit  of 
anger,  even  though  your  death  was  against 
their  interests.  Don't  expect  kind  treatment. 
You  will  probably  be  liberated  when  our 
captain  has  shown  the  viceroy  that  he  is  equal 
to  his  threats,  but  I  am  not  an  officer  and  I 
know  too  much  to  suit  that  scheming  inter- 
preter." 

That  the  pilot  despaired  of  his  life  was 
indeed  disquieting  news  to  the  midshipmen, 
but  their  solicitations  were  quickly  cut  short 
by  the  sound  of  tramping  feet  in  the  hallway 
outside  their  prison  door. 

A  number  of  armed  soldiers  entered  the 
room  and  dragged  the  captives  roughly  to 
their  aching  feet,  hurrying  them  along  the 
stone  pavement  up  the  courtyard. 

Phil  saw  ahead  of  him  the  unresisting 
Langdon,  brutally  kicked  and  struck  by  his 
captors  as  he  shuffled  painfully  along,  then 
his  own  guards  turned  down  a  corridor,  drag- 
ging him  after  them. 

Wondering  what  was  about  to  happen  Phil 
saw  a  soldier  knock  loudly  upon  a  door  ;  a 


138  A  UNITED  STATES 

most  unearthly  yell  from  within  was  the  only 
answer,  then  the  door  opened  inwards  and  he 
found  himself  shoved  into  the  midst  of  a 
Wowd  of  half-naked  Chinamen.  His  heart 
sank  within  him  as  he  realized  that  he  was 
to  be  imprisoned  along  with  the  lowest  of 
the  criminals  of  the  viceroy's  provinces.  But 
a  moment  later  he  could  have  cried  out  for 
joy  at  the  sight  of  Sydney  thrown  roughly 
almost  into  his  arms.  At  least  he  would  have 
his  friend  to  share  his  tortures  ;  that  was  some- 
thing for  which  to  be  thankful. 


CHAPTER  X 

A    CHINESE    PRISON 

THE  arrival  of  the  Americans  in  the  jail 
was  heralded  with  delight  by  their  scantily- 
clad  fellows ;  they  one  and  all  crowded  about 
the  lads  examining  their  uniforms  and  put- 
ting very  dirty  hands  on  their  white  skins. 
Many  had  never  seen  a  foreigner  at  such  close 
range.  The  midshipmen  were  so  tightly 
bound  that  they  could  not  escape  this  un- 
pleasant, although  apparently  friendly,  treat- 
ment. 

Finally  Phil  could  bear  it  no  longer ;  the 
sickening  odor  from  their  unwashed  bodies 
became  more  than  his  endurance  could  stand. 
Managing  to  rise  to  his  feet,  he  painfully 
crossed  the  damp  floor  to  a  wooden  bench, 
the  only  article  of  furniture  in  the  cell  ; 
reaching  this  he  sat  down  upon  it,  gently 
but  forcefully  pushing  the  prisoners  seated 
beside  him  until  he  had  the  bench  entirely 
to  himself.  The  Chinese  stood  close  by  in 
139 


140  A  UNITED  STATES 

silent  surprise,  showing  no  anger  at  this 
treatment. 

"  Come  here,  Sydney,"  he  called.  "  We'll 
take  the  bench  and  keep  these  ruffians  away. 
They'll  smother  us  with  their  heathen  curi- 
osity." 

Sydney  crawled  through  the  delighted 
crowd,  the  prisoners  moving  aside  readily  for 
him,  and  as  he  reached  the  bench  and  raised 
himself  off  the  reeking  floor  to  a  seat  beside 
Phil,  the  gaping  Chinamen  chattered  like 
children,  quite  absorbed  in  the  infrequent 
spectacle  of  foreign  devils  in  their  jail. 

A  number  of  the  more  bold  among  the 
prisoners  squatted  on  the  floor  close  to  the 
bench,  examining  the  stout  boots  and  leggins 
of  the  midshipmen,  but  these  Phil  motioned 
away,  emphasizing  his  meaning  by  a  shove 
from  his  manacled  feet.  The  Chinamen  arose 
at  once,  their  faces  expressing  only  astonish- 
ment. 

The  lads  were  soon  left  alone ;  their  fellow 
prisoners  had  formed  a  circle  around  them 
with  an  intervening  space  of  over  a  yard, 
while  one  or  two  of  their  number  assumed 
the  role  of  protectors  and  faithfully  kept  their 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         141 

comrades  from  infringing  upon  this  forbidden 
ground. 

"  They  are  more  kind  than  their  masters," 
Sydney  said,  after  the  midshipmen  had 
gathered  their  scattered  wits. 

"  Poor  fellows,  they  seem  as  happy  as  if 
they  were  only  doing  penance  for  small 
sins,"  Phil  replied,  gazing  compassionately 
at  his  motley  companions.  "  Yet  they  are  all 
condemned  to  be  executed.  Do  you  see  the 
large  ring  each  wears  about  his  neck,  with 
a  brass  tag  attached  ?  That's  the  mark  of  a 
felon  to  be  beheaded,  or  worse." 

"  Where  do  you  suppose  they've  taken 
Langdon?"  Sydney  asked  anxiously.  "It's 
certainly  terrible  to  be  helpless  in  the  power 
of  these  cruel  Chinese.  They  may  even  now 
have  beheaded  him.  The  viceroy  was  angry 
enough  to  revenge  himself." 

"  I  hope  it's  not  so  bad  as  that,"  Phil 
answered,  trying  hard  to  be  reassuring,  not 
feeling,  however,  a  particle  more  secure  than 
the  condemned  men  about  him.  "  Langdon 
said,"  he  added  grimly,  "  if  our  hands  were 
lifted  up  high  behind  our  backs  and  they 
hurried  us  out  of  the  cell,  our  heads  would 


142  A  UNITED  STATES 

probably  be  cut  off  in  the  large  outer  court. 
Until  they  do  that,  I  suppose  we  may  be  sure 
that  we  are  not  in  any  immediate  danger  of 
death." 

Sydney  shuddered  at  the  unpleasant 
thought.  And  this  was  the  China  that  they 
had  been  so  eager  to  visit. 

Toward  evening  a  great  tub  filled  with 
millet  was  brought  in  by  the  keepers  and 
this  the  prisoners  devoured  ravenously. 
Luckily  for  the  lads,  they  had  satisfied  their 
appetite  from  the  viceroy's  table,  for  they 
would  have  stood  but  scant  chance  among 
that  hungry  rabble. 

The  cell  was  now  entirely  dark,  save  for  a 
swinging  light  which  streamed  through  the 
barred  doors.  The  midshipmen  scarcely  closed 
their  eyes  during  the  long  hours  of  the  night, 
and  when  the  first  streaks  of  day  shone  into 
their  foul  cell,  they  were  sitting  open-eyed  on 
their  bench. 

A  jailer  brought  a  basin  of  water  to  the 
door  of  the  cell  and  then  entering,  took  off 
their  irons  and  led  them  out  into  the  court- 
yard. The  lads'  hopes  rose,  but  they  soon  saw 
that  it  was  to  be  only  a  preparation  for  more 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         143 

imprisonment.  A  bowl  of  rice  apiece  was 
given  them,  which  was  quickly  eaten,  and 
then  each  received  a  steaming  cup  of  tea. 
This  reassuring  meal  put  new  life  into  the 
lads  and  they  felt  more  cheerful  than  at  any 
time  since  their  imprisonment. 

"  What's  he  doing  ?  "  Sydney  cried  out  in 
alarm,  as  the  jailer  began  to  rub  his  neck 
with  a  damp  rag,  while  another  rubbed  his 
wrists  and  ankles.  Phil  was  afterward  given 
the  same  treatment,  and  then  the  hateful  irons 
were  again  put  on,  but  in  addition  there  were 
put  about  their  necks  the  dreaded  rings, 
with  the  dangling  brass  tags  that  jingled  om- 
inously. 

The  midshipmen  were  stunned.  Like  the 
others  of  their  cell-mates  they  were  now  wear- 
ing the  badge  of  death.  They  also  had  been 
condemned  by  the  viceroy  and  would  be  held 
in  this  loathsome  prison  until  their  numbers 
were  called  by  the  "  Board  of  Punishments," 
the  Chinese  high  court  of  justice. 

Once  more  in  their  cell  the  lads  sat 
dejectedly  on  their  bench.  They  had  small 
desire  for  conversation  ;  each  felt  his  doom 
pressing  upon  him,  and  strange  to  say  with 


144  A  UNITED  STATES 

this  weight  of  trouble  their  thoughts  turned 
to  Langdon. 

"If  we  are  to  be  executed,"  Phil  said  sor- 
rowfully, "  poor  Langdon  must  have  already 
met  his  death." 

Sydney  had  not  the  heart  to  reply.  He 
nodded  his  head  sorrowfully.  Then  a  thought 
struck  him,  and  he  raised  hopeful  eyes  to  his 
companion's  face. 

"  He  must  be  near  us,  Phil,"  he  exclaimed. 
"Can't  we  find  some  means  of  communicating? 
If  we  could  only  talk  their  language  we 
might  ask  our  jailer ;  he  appears  friendly  and 
probably  knows." 

Phil  was  silent  for  a  few  moments,  then  he 
suddenly  began  to  whistle  loudly  the  stirring 
music  of  their  class  song.  The  tune  brought 
tears  to  Sydney's  eyes.  It  took  him  back  to 
the  day  the  brigade  of  midshipmen  marched 
by  the  reviewing  stand  for  the  last  time  with 
his  class  as  seniors.  Two  hours  afterward, 
with  his  diploma  in  his  hand,  he  had  shaken 
hands  as  a  graduate  with  the  secretary  of  the 
navy.  What  a  terrible  contrast !  Then  a  sud- 
den fear  took  possession  of  him.  Had  Phil 
lost  his  mind  ?  Was  the  knowledge  of  their 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         145 

terrible  end  too  much  for  his  nerves  and  had 
his  strong  mind  succumbed?  While  these 
disquieting  thoughts  were  coursing  through 
his  brain,  Phil  ceased  whistling  and  listened 
eagerly.  From  a  distance  a  high-pitched 
treble  of  a  whistle  came  indistinctly  to  their 
ears  amid  the  noises  of  their  cell. 

The  Chinese  crowded  about  Phil  in  evi- 
dent delight,  while  a  number  of  jailers  stood 
outside  the  half-closed  door  peering  inside, 
smiles  on  their  ignorant  faces. 

"  They  seem  to  enjoy  my  music,"  Phil 
said  in  a  perfectly  rational  voice;  "but 
thank  goodness,  Langdon  is  still  alive  ! " 

"  Maybe  it  was  from  one  of  the  sailors," 
Sydney  suggested. 

Phil  continued  his  whistling  for  many 
minutes  until  his  listeners  had  become 
thoroughly  accustomed,  then  he  put  forth  his 
strategy. 

"  Langdon  knows  our  signal  code,"  he  said 
quietly,  "  and  I'm  going  to  try  to  whistle 
him  a  message,  if  we  can  only  get  these  fel- 
lows quiet.  At  least  we'll  find  out  who  it  is 
that  is  confined  near  us." 

Then  by  single  and  double  whistles,  covered 


146  A  UNITED  STATES 

up  ingeniously  with  snatches  of  tunes,  he 
spelled  out : 

"  Who  are  you?  " 

The  lads  waited  breathlessly  for  several 
minutes,  which  seemed  to  them  as  many 
hours.  Then  the  answer  came  distinctly : 

"  Langdon.  If  the  interpreter  comes  to  you 
show  him  the  ring.  It  may  be  your  last 
chance." 

Phil  acknowledged  this,  and  then  to  allay 
the  suspicions  of  the  jailers,  he  whistled  sev- 
eral lively  tunes. 

The  long  day  dragged  slowly  by.  In  their 
cramped  surroundings  they  leaned  back 
against  the  wall  and  dozed  off,  only  to  be 
awakened  by  the  pains  in  their  tightly-bound 
limbs.  The  irons  galled  terribly. 

At  last  the  jailer  brought  them  their  even- 
ing meal,  a  bowl  of  rice  apiece,  and  before 
leaving  them  for  the  night,  examined  their 
shackles.  While  examining  Sydney's  swollen 
wrists  he  "  hi-yaw'd  "  loudly,  calling  the  mid- 
shipmen's attention  to  where  the  tender  skin 
had  been  chafed  through,  the  red  flesh  show- 
ing clearly. 

"  Of  course  ;  what  does  he  expect?  "  Sydney 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         147 

exclaimed  angrily.  "These  irons  are  not 
lined  with  velvet !  " 

The  jailer  took  Phil  by  the  shoulder  and 
led  him  to  a  corner  of  the  cell,  where  a  China- 
man was  lying,  his  pale  face  showing  that  the 
poor  fellow's  death  was  but  a  matter  of  hours. 

Stooping  down,  the  jailer  lifted  one  of  the 
sick  man's  arms.  The  sight  that  met  the  lad's 
gaze  was  heartrending.  The  wrist  where  his 
iron  had  been  was  a  festering  sore.  The 
diseased  flesh  had  slowly  spread  until  his 
forearm  to  the  elbow  was  infected  and  the 
man  was  dying  of  blood  poison.  Phil  at  once 
understood  the  terrible  danger  to  his  friend. 
He  had  heard  of  the  maggot  which  is  said  to 
infest  all  Chinese  prisons.  The  earth  be- 
neath his  feet  at  a  depth  of  a  few  inches  was 
swarming  with  these  deadly  parasites,  and 
their  instinct  leads  them  directly  to  a  fresh 
wound.  Once  this  insect  enters  the  flesh  of  a 
victim,  his  death  by  a  fearful,  agonizing  and 
lingering  illness  is  assured. 

Pointing  to  Sydney's  irons  Phil  demanded 
by  signs  that  they  be  immediately  removed, 
but  the  jailer  shook  his  head  in  dissent,  his 
expressive  face  portraying  a  fear  for  himself 


148  A  UNITED  STATES 

if  he  did,  while  he  struck  his  own  neck  with 
his  hand  as  if  to  say,  "  That's  what  would 
happen  to  me  if  I  took  his  irons  off." 

Phil's  solicitude  for  his  friend  was  great. 
How  could  he  hide  this  wound  from  the 
searching  little  worm?  He  thought  of  his 
pocket  handkerchief  in  his  blouse  pocket; 
reaching  inside  his  coat  with  his  manacled 
hands,  he  dragged  it  slowly  out,  with  the 
intention  of  using  it  as  a  bandage  about 
Sydney's  wrist,  but  to  his  consternation  as  he 
pulled  a  bright  spark  of  metal  flashed  before 
his  eyes  and  the  precious  jade  ring  fell  loudly 
to  the  floor  at  the  jailer's  feet. 

The  Chinaman  pounced  upon  it  with 
avidity,  hastily  concealing  it  in  his  loose 
clothes.  Phil  attempted  to  hold  him,  but  he 
roughly  pushed  him  aside,  shutting  the  barred 
door  in  his  face  with  a  loud  slam. 

Their  last  hope  had  flown.  The  China- 
man would  doubtless  conceal  the  ring  and  say 
he  knew  nothing  in  case  he  was  ques- 
tioned. 

The  keen  disappointment  at  the  loss  of  the 
talisman  made  Phil  fear  even  more  for  the 
terrible,  predicament  of  his  companion.  A 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         149 

few  more  days  in  this  noisome  hole  might 
mean  his  death.  Ill  fed,  with  no  opportunity 
to  wash  away  the  accumulated  dirt  from  their 
unclean  surroundings,  he  must  surely  fall  a 
victim  of  the  insidious  insect. 

Another  night  passed  in  torture,  relieved 
only  by  an  occasional  exchange  of  signals 
between  Phil  and  Langdon.  He  had  fared 
no  worse  than  the  midshipmen.  Phil  told 
him  of  the  loss  of  the  ring  and  afterward 
there  was  a  long  silence,  as  if  the  news  were 
too  disappointing  to  find  an  answer. 

Finally  after  several  hours,  the  midshipmen 
were  awakened  from  their  painful  slumber  to 
hear  the  signal  from  the  pilot. 

"  The  viceroy  has  received  some  word  from 
the  allies.  He  asked  me  many  questions  to- 
day," and  then  abruptly  the  whistle  ceased. 

The  lads  were  eager  to  hear  more,  but 
Langdon  was  silent,  and  soon  a  jailer 
entered  and  threatened  by  signs  to  gag  the 
midshipmen  if  they  continued ;  so,  much 
against  their  inclinations,  they  stopped  sig- 
naling. 

Early  the  next  morning  the  lads  were 
awakened  from  an  uneasy  sleep  by  loud  cries 


150  A  UNITED  STATES 

in  the  courtyard  outside  of  their  cell  door. 
The  jailer  hurried  in,  unlocking  their  chains 
and  signed  them  to  follow  him.  The  midship- 
men upon  staggering  to  their  feet  would  have 
fallen,  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  prompt  sup- 
port of  their  fellow  prisoners,  who  having 
risen  from  their  earth  beds  were  gazing 
curiously  through  the  open  door. 

Emerging  into  the  sunlight  Phil  at  first 
could  see  nothing,  but  the  jailer,  taking  each 
by  a  hand,  led  them  staggeringly  across  the 
sandy  courtyard.  Then  suddenly,  pushing 
on  their  shoulders,  the  jailer  forced  the  mid- 
shipmen on  their  knees  before  two  man- 
darins. 

Phil  raised  his  eyes  and  saw  the  kindly 
face  of  the  Tartar  general,  while  from  the  lips 
of  the  other,  a  stranger,  came  in  perfect 
English  as  he  raised  the  almost  fainting  lads 
to  their  feet : 

"  Come  with  us  ;  we  are  your  friends." 

Jubilantly  they  followed  the  Tartar  general's 
military  figure,  and  soon  found  themselves 
within  a  large  room  where  a  small  table  was 
set,  and  the  tempting  odor  of  food  struck 
pleasantly  upon  their  hungry  senses. 


w 


K  ARE  YOUR  FRIENDS' 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         151 

The  lads  were  told  to  be  seated,  the  man- 
darins taking  chairs  opposite  each. 

Phil  was  fairly  bursting  with  suppressed 
excitement.  Were  they  to  be  liberated  ? 


CHAPTER  XI 

FRIENDS    IN  NEED 

THE  midshipmen  saw  that  something  had 
occurred  to  bring  about  this  change  in  the 
behavior  of  the  mandarins,  but  for  their  lives 
they  could  not  guess  its  import  or  the  effect  it 
would  have  upon  their  condition.  Both  lads 
had  come  to  understand  something  of  Chinese 
perfidy,  and  determined  to  school  themselves 
to  bear  any  disappointment. 

Very  deliberately  the  two  mandarins  fin- 
ished their  meal,  the  midshipmen,  even  under 
their  tension  of  impatience,  doing  full  justice 
themselves  to  the  savory  dishes,  and  then  the 
servants  removed  the  remnants  of  the  repast. 
Meanwhile  all  four  men  sat  in  silence,  the 
mandarins  in  their  silken  robes  in  great  con- 
trast to  the  forlorn  appearance  of  the  Ameri- 
cans in  their  dirt-covered  uniforms. 

At  length  the  silence  was  broken  by  the 
unmusical  voice  of  Hang-Ki,  the  Tartar  gen- 
eral. While  he  talked,  making  many  ges- 
152 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         153 

tures  with  his  hands  to  illustrate  his  meaning, 
the  lads  racked  their  brains  for  a  solution  to 
this  unexpected  treatment.  Finally  the  gen- 
eral finished,  glancing  interestedly  at  the 
midshipmen,  anticipating  no  doubt  the  effect 
his  words  would  have  on  the  faces  of  the 
youths. 

Phil  drummed  calmly  with  his  finger  nail 
a  signal  to  Sydney. 

"Show  no  feeling,"  the  latter  read  from 
the  clear  clicks  upon  the  hardwood  table, 
and  he  nodded  guardedly  in  assent. 

The  second  Chinaman  was  now  interpre- 
ting the  general's  words,  and  the  midshipmen 
listened  eagerly. 

"  His  Excellency,  General  Hang-Ki,  was 
given  this  ring  by  a  soldier  who  said  it  was 
found  by  one  of  the  jailers  on  the  person  of 
one  of  the  American  officers.  He  wishes  to 
know  from  where  it  came." 

To  Phil's  delight  the  Chinaman  held  up 
the  jade  ring,  which  he  had  believed  was  irre- 
coverably lost. 

Phil  saw  no  reason  for  concealment,  so  he 
at  once  told  the  story  of  his  rescue  of  the 
Chinaman  from  the  river. 


154  A  UNITED  STATES 

Then  it  was  the  midshipmen's  turn  to 
watch  the  general's  face  as  Phil's  words  were 
given  him  in  his  own  language,  but  to  their 
disappointment,  his  features  did  not  betray 
the  slightest  signs  of  aught  save  interest. 

Finally  the  interpreting  mandarin  turned 
to  the  expectant  lads,  a  smile  on  his  intelli- 
gent face.  They  had  been  wondering  unsuc- 
cessfully who  this  Chinaman  might  be,  using 
the  English  language  as  readily  as  his  own. 
He  spoke  a  few  words  to  the  general,  and  re- 
ceiving an  affirmative  nod,  he  again  addressed 
the  Americans. 

"  I  see  you  do  not  know  me.  My  name  is 
Emmons.  So  far  I  have  been  powerless  to 
aid  you.  The  viceroy  is  not  my  friend,  and 
if  it  were  not  for  the  confidence  shown  me  by 
the  genera],  I  should  before  now  have  shared 
the  fate  which  you  have  so  narrowly  escaped. 
Even  now  all  danger  is  not  over.  This  ring, 
you  say,"  addressing  Phil,  "  was  given  you  by 
the  man  you  saved  from  the  river?" 

Phil  nodded  silently. 

"That  part  we  cannot  explain.  The  ring 
is  a  gift  from  the  emperor  to  Ta-Ling,  the 
viceroy's  official  secretary  and  interpreter. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         155 

The  stone  is  the  most  priceless  jade.  Fortu- 
nately for  you  the  jailer,  fearing  to  keep  it  in 
his  possession  during  the  night,  gave  it  to  the 
captain  of  the  yamen  guard,  who  brought  it 
at  once  to  the  general.  If  it  had  gone  to  the 
viceroy,  before  now  you  both  would  have 
been  executed." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ? "  Phil  exclaimed. 
"  Did  I  commit  such  a  serious  offense  by  sav- 
ing this  man  from  drowning?" 

Emmons  smiled  grimly  as  he  answered : 
"  By  saving  Ta-Ling's  life  you  committed  a 
serious  offense  against  the  foreigners  in  China. 
That  it  was  he  you  saved  there  can  be  but 
little  doubt,  and  he  is  the  bitterest  enemy  the 
foreigners  have  among  the  viceroy's  advisers. 
He  is  a  graduate  of  an  American  college,  and 
because  of  his  harsh  treatment  at  San  Fran- 
cisco each  time  he  returned  to  college  from 
his  yearly  visits  to  China,  he  has  sworn  to 
avenge  himself  upon  all  Americans,  and  of 
course  all  foreigners  will  suffer,  because  the 
Chinese  people  cannot  discriminate  between 
an  American  and  one  of  another  nationality. 
Because  of  my  American  blood  I  have  gained 
his  enmity,  and  while  once  I  enjoyed  the 


156  A  UNITED  STATES 

viceroy's  confidence,  now  he  has  openly  shown 
me  his  displeasure.  This  uprising  was  started 
by  the  wide  circulation  of  handbills,  printed 
in  the  yamen  and  distributed  at  Ta-Ling's 
direction  throughout  the  provinces,  calling 
upon  all  patriotic  Chinamen  to  exterminate 
the  foreigners.  General  Hang-Ki  is  the  only 
friend  that  the  foreigners  have ;  he  com- 
manded an  army  corps  against  the  allies  at  Pe- 
king in  1900,  and  knows  the  terrible  conse- 
quences awaiting  those  who  dare  resort  to  such 
barbarous  and  uncivilized  methods.  Unfortu- 
nately Ta-Ling  has  the  entire  confidence  of 
the  viceroy,  and  has  poisoned  his  ear  against 
the  wiser  counsel  of  the  general." 

"  Is  the  mission  still  unharmed  ? "  Phil 
interrupted  anxiously. 

"  Yes,"  Emmons  answered  promptly,  "  the 
vicero}'  has  given  the  general  orders  that.it 
be  guarded  from  attack,  although  Ta-Ling  has 
been  making  desperate  efforts  to  gather  to- 
gether the  rebels,  who  were  dispersed  by  the 
foreign  sailors  at  Lien-Chow.  If  he  should 
succeed  in  having  the  general's  soldiers  with- 
drawn from  their  camp  near  the  mission,  he 
may  yet  succeed  in  his  cherished  wish." 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         157 

"  But  Ta-Ling  himself  has  enemies,"  Phil 
exclaimed.  "  It  must  have  been  these  who 
attempted  to  drown  him  in  the  river." 

"  The  one  who  attempted  to  drown  him  in 
the  river  is  sitting  opposite  you  in  the  person 
of  General  Hang-Ki,"  Emmons  answered, 
smiling  at  the  lads'  astonished  faces.  "  Know- 
ing that  the  general  would  not  lend  himself 
to  the  intrigues  against  the  lives  of  foreigners, 
Ta-Ling  decided  to  put  the  general  out  of  the 
way.  The  night  you  saved  the  secretary  from 
the  river  and,  as  you  supposed,  received  this 
priceless  royal  jade  ring  as  a  reward,  his 
Excellency  was  spending  the  night  with  me  on 
my  house-boat.  The  general,  if  possible,  al- 
ways sleeps  in  the  open  air,  and  this  aided  the 
would-be  murderer  in  his  design.  I  had  been 
asleep  for  some  hours  when  I  was  aroused  by 
cries,  and  hurrying  to  where  I  had  left  the 
general  sleeping,  I  saw  him  hurl  the  body 
of  a  man  overboard ;  but  the  assassin  had  nearly 
accomplished  his  purpose  as  the  knife  thrust 
over  the  general's  heart  will  show."  Emmons 
turned  his  tongue  to  the  Chinese  language,  and 
the  general  baring  his  chest,  the  lads  gazed  in 
horror  at  the  terrible  wound. 


158  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  We  believed/'  continued  Emmons,  "  that 
the  man  was  only  a  robber,  until  we  saw  this 
ring  and  heard  your  story,  but  now  there  can 
be  no  doubt  that  the  would-be  assassin  was 
the  viceroy's  interpreter,  Ta-Ling  himself." 

"  Is  it  likely,"  Phil  asked  incredulously, 
"  that  if  the  man  was  Ta-Ling,  he  would  give 
me  this  ring?  " 

"  He  didn't  give  you  the  ring,  you  can  be 
sure  of  that,"  Emmons  replied  decidedly  ;  "  it 
slipped  off  his  finger  when  he  thanked  you. 
Afterward  when  he  missed  it,  he  doubtless 
thought  he  had  lost  it  in  the  river." 

"  Do  you  suppose  he  has  recognized  me  as 
the  one  who  pulled  him  out  of  the  river  ?  " 
Phil  asked  suddenly,  grasping  at  the  hope 
that  the  Chinaman  might  befriend  him  ;  but 
Emmons  quickly  dashed  this  hope  to  the 
ground. 

"  The  night  was  dark,  and  besides,  after  his 
experience  in  the  river,  for  he  cannot  swim,  I 
doubt  if  he  remembers  much  of  what  hap- 
pened. According  to  the  old  law  of  China  he 
would  not  dare  for  his  soul's  peace  to  take 
your  life  if  he  knew  you  had  saved  him,  but 
Ta-Ling  is  a  progressive  Chinaman,  and  con- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         159 

siders  his  self-preservation  in  this  world  of 
more  importance  than  the  peace  of  his  spirit 
hereafter.  If  this  attempt  on  the  life  of  a 
trusted  general  of  the  emperor  were  known, 
Ta-Ling  could  not  be  saved  by  even  the 
viceroy.  The  penalty  is  death  by  a  terrible 
torture." 

"  Will  the  general  report  this  occurrence  to 
the  viceroy?"  Phil  asked  excitedly,  his 
hopes  again  rising  that  the  interpreter  might 
be  disposed  of  and  Langdon  and  the  rest  of 
the  hostages  liberated  to  return  to  the  safety 
of  their  ships. 

"  The  general  believes  that  the  time  has  not 
come  to  expose  him,"  Emmons  answered, 
lowering  his  voice  to  almost  a  whisper.  "  Ta- 
Ling  is  now  the  master  of  the  viceroy's  yamen 
and  if  we  failed  to  break  his  authority  he 
would  make  certain  of  your  destruction, 
reporting  to  the  viceroy  that  you  all  had  com- 
mitted suicide  for  shame  at  your  misdeeds." 

Both  midshipmen's  faces  broke  into  smiles 
in  spite  of  the  serious  situation.  Emmons, 
seeing  the  merriment  caused  by  his  words, 
hastened  to  explain. 

"  I    know   that   such   an   idea   is   entirely 


160  A  UNITED  STATES 

foreign  to  the  American  mind,  but  not  so 
with  the  Chinese.  If  a  man  knows  he  has 
committed  some  deed  which  his  fellows  con- 
demn, he  is  ashamed,  or  as  we  say  in  China, 
'  loses  face,'  and  he  is  very  likely  to  commit 
suicide  to  regain  his  good  name.  And  again, 
a  Chinaman  held  prisoner  may  take  his  own 
life  for  revenge  against  his  captors." 

"They  needn't  fear  that  from  us,"  Phil 
replied.  "  We'll  cling  to  life  as  long  as  we  are 
able." 

"  That's  what  the  general  and  I  have  come 
to  help  you  in,"  Emmons  said  in  sympathy ; 
"  the  jailer  has  already  been  cautioned  to  say 
nothing  of  the  ring,  and  the  soldier  who 
brought  it  to  the  general  is  no  friend  of  Ta- 
Ling ;  but  even  with  this  doubt  removed  your 
lives  are  in  danger  so  long  as  you  are  held  by 
the  viceroy.  An  ultimatum  was  received 
from  the  American  commander  last  night 
that  the  allies  have  refused  to  approve  the 
commander  of  the  flag  of  truce's  promises  and 
if  the  hostages  are  not  liberated  before  noon 
to-morrow,  the  allied  fleet  would  bombard  the 
city.  This  has  thrown  the  viceroy  into  a 
fever  of  fear,  for  he  owns  much  valuable 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         161 

property  in  and  about  the  city.  He  has 
given  the  general  orders  to  open  fire  on  the 
fleet  if  it  again  moves  to  an  anchorage  off  the 
city." 

"Will  he  obey  the  order?"  Phil  asked 
eagerly. 

"  He  must,"  Emmons  replied.  "  He  dare 
not  refuse  a  direct  order  from  the  viceroy  ^ 
but  he  has  demanded  this  order  in  writing,  so 
as  to  protect  himself  when  the  day  of  reckon- 
ing comes.  General  Hang-Ki  has  sent  a 
memorial  to  the  viceroy  protesting  against 
this  action  ;  he  realizes  that  these  gunboats 
stand  for  many  great  battle-ships  that  would 
be  sent  against  his  forts  as  soon  as  the  spring 
floods  bring  rising  water  in  the  Yangtse 
River." 

The  midshipmen  were  silent,  while  Em- 
mons spoke  to  the  general.  The  conversation 
lasted  for  several  minutes,  when  finally  the 
former  again  spoke  in  his  father's  language. 

"  The  viceroy  is  ignorant  of  our  presence 
here  and  we  must  soon  leave  you.  If  Ta- 
Ling  should  discover  that  we  had  talked  with 
you,  all  hope  for  you  would  be  over." 

The  midshipmen  were  cast  down  into  the 


162  A  UNITED  STATES 

depths  of  despair.  Then  they  were  not  to  be 
liberated  at  all,  and  would  again  go  back  to 
their  prison  and  be  in  the  cruel  clutches  of 
that  fiend  Ta-Ling. 

"  The  general  has  done  his  best  to  arrange 
an  escape,"  were  the  cheering  words  from 
Emmons.  "  To-night  you  will  be  put  in  a 
cell  away  from  the  Chinese  prisoners.  The 
door  of  the  cell  will  be  unlocked.  Here  is  a 
plan  of  the  yamen,  and  I  have  marked  your 
route  to  the  gate  and  safety.  I  shall  have 
chairs  waiting  you  at  the  gate.  Success  de- 
pends upon  yourselves ;  we  dare  not  help  you 
farther.  In  this  room  marked  in  pencil  you 
will  find  mandarin  robes,  which  you  must 
put  on.  The  guards  throughout  the  yamen 
will  be  removed  until  midnight,  so  you  must 
succeed  before  that  time.  The  room  in  which 
you  will  find  disguises  is  occupied  by  the 
viceroy's  treasurer.  He  is  a  close  friend  of 
Ta-Ling  and  cannot.be  bought.  If  you  are 
discovered  the  general  will  be  powerless  to 
save  you." 

"And  Langdon?"  Phil  asked  earnestly, 
his  heart  beating  high  with  hope.  "  We  can- 
not go  a  step  without  him  and  our  four  sailors." 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         163 

"  That  is  more  difficult,"  Emmons  re- 
plied with  annoyance.  "  He  is  being  con- 
stantly visited  by  Ta-Ling.  To  attempt  his 
escape  may  defeat  all.  The  four  sailors  are 
in  another  part  of  the  yamen  and  except  for 
cruel  treatment  are  safe  for  the  present.  The 
general  is  grateful  to  you  for  revealing  this 
plot  against  his  own  life,  but  his  real  inten- 
tion is  to  give  your  captain  information  as  to 
what  will  happen  if  he  attempts  to  run  by  the 
forts.  There  is,  however,  a  channel,  known  to 
only  the  Chinese,  leading  behind  and  close  to 
the  long  narrow  island  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  river.  This  island  is  now  covered  with 
tall  reed  grass  which  will  conceal  the  hulls  of 
the  gunboats  from  the  rays  of  the  search- 
lights of  the  fort.  Here  is  a  sketch  plan  of 
this  channel.  If  your  commander  will  start 
at  night  and  use  the  channel  I  suggest,  it 
may  be  that  he  can  take  his  entire  fleet  past 
the  forts  undiscovered.  I  dare  not  take  this 
message  myself,  for  my  movements  are 
closely  watched.  I  fear  even  now  Ta-Ling 
may  have  discovered  our  purpose." 

"  Can  we  depend  upon  this  information  ?  " 
Sydney  whispered  to  Phil,  as  Emmons  and 


164  A  UNITED  STATES 

the  general  rose  to  their  feet.  "  Might  it  not 
be  a  trick  to  blow  the  gunboats  up  by  mines 
in  this  narrow  channel?  " 

Phil  put  the  question  to  Emmons,  but  the 
latter  assured  them  of  the  honesty  of  the  gen- 
eral. 

"  The  general  believes  he  is  serving  his 
country  in  giving  this  information,"  he  added  ; 
"  he  knows  his  people  will  suffer  through  the 
viceroy's  treachery.  If  the  fleet  can  pass 
without  being  discovered,  he  cannot  be  held 
guilty  of  disobeying  the  order  of  the  viceroy. 
So  you  see  it  is  important  that  this  message 
should  reach  your  captain  in  time  to  prevent 
him  from  carrying  out  his  threat  of  running 
the  batteries." 

Reluctantly  the  midshipmen  agreed  to  leave 
Langdon  and  the  four  sailors  behind  and 
make  the  attempt  to  escape  in  order  to  carry 
the  information  of  the  secret  channel  to 
Commander  Hughes.  Each  felt  that  in 
doing  so  they  might  be  sacrificing  their 
friend  to  the  revenge  of  Ta-Ling  when  he 
had  discovered  the  absence  of  the  midship- 
men, but  the  good  of  the  cause  demanded  it 
be  so. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         165 

In  but  a  few  moments  the  jailer  led  the 
lads  back  to  their  distasteful  prison. 

Passing  a  great  tub  of  clear  water,  both 
lads  looked  longingly  at  it  and  then  at  their 
soiled  hands.  To  their  delight  the  Chinaman 
smiled  and  motioned  that  they  might  in- 
dulge in  a  bath. 

Delightedly  the  lads  stripped  their  unclean 
clothes  from  their  bodies  and  bathed  in  the 
soothing  water.  Forgetful  of  their  surround- 
ings, with  the  complacent  jailer  sitting  close 
by  an  amused  spectator,  they  talked  gayly  of 
their  hoped-for  deliverance.  Then  the  bright 
smiles  on  their  faces  were  suddenly  frozen 
by  the  sound  of  a  voice  which  they  had 
learned  to  dread. 

"  You  seem  very  cheerful  for  men  who  are 
soon  to  be  executed,"  Ta-Ling  said  in  his 
perfect  English.  "  What  has  put  my  good 
friends  in  such  excellent  spirits  ?  " 

Both  midshipmen  were  speechless  with  as- 
tonishment. How  long  had  this  eavesdropper 
been  listening?  Had  he  discovered  the  in- 
trigue of  the  Tartar  general  ?  These  were  the 
questions  that  passed  through  their  minds. 
They  waited  in  cruel  suspense  for  the  next 


166  A  UNITED  STATES 

words  of  their  enemy  to  answer  these  fateful 
questions. 

Ta-Ling  turned  upon  the  trembling  jailer, 
berating  him  soundly,  punctuating  his  words 
with  kicks  and  blows  which  the  cringing  man 
received  without  a  sign  of  resentment. 

"  I  have  told  him  that  if  I  saw  you  laugh- 
ing again,"  he  cried  angrily,  "  he  would 
have  his  head  chopped  off.  Your  treatment 
here  has  been  too  kind." 

Then  as  an  afterthought  the  mandarin 
picked  up  Phil's  uniform  blouse  from  the 
ground  at  his  feet  and  searched  through  the 
pockets  carefully.  Phil  was  terrified  ;  the 
plan  of  the  yamen  was  in  his  trousers  pocket 
on  the  ground  at  the  Chinaman's  feet.  If  he 
searched  through  his  trousers,  all  hope  of 
escape  would  be  ended. 


CHAPTER  XII 

A  DARING  PLAN 

TA-LING  threw  down  the  coat  impatiently 
and  glanced  disdainfully  at  the  other  articles 
of  apparel.  He  then  took  up  Phil's  muddy 
trousers  gingerly  as  if  fearful  of  soiling  his 
esthetic  hands.  The  lad's  heart  was  in  his 
throat  while  he  watched  the  Chinaman  guard- 
edly, striving  to  appear  unconcerned,  and 
cudgeling  his  brain  for  something  to  say  in 
order  to  turn  the  man's  attention  from  a  search 
of  the  guilty  garment. 

"  Why  are  you  so  bitter  against  my  people  ?  " 
Phil  asked  hoarsely.  "  Were  you  not  educated 
in  America?  " 

Ta-Ling  dropped  the  tattered  garment, 
glancing  up  quickly,  a  scowl  on  his  yellow 
face. 

"  Why  am  I  bitter  against  you  ?  "  he  an- 
swered. "  I  despise  everything  American. 
Was  I  not  put  in  a  pen  in  San  Francisco 
along  with  such  cattle  as  coolies  from  Japan, 
167 


168  A  UNITED  STATES 

Corea  and  my  own  country?  Your  stupid 
officials  claimed  not  to  be  able  to  distinguish 
between  us.  I  heard  one  say  '  All  Chinks 
look  alike  to  me.'  After  the  first  experience, 
when  I  was  washed  and  my  clothes  fumigated 
as  if  I  had  been  a  pauper  immigrant,  I  got 
letters  from  college  friends,  but  armed  even 
with  these  I  suffered  indignities  at  the  hands  of 
these  ignorant  officials.  When  I  left  America 
with  my  graduation  diploma  in  my  pocket  I 
took  oath  to  my  father's  spirit  that  I  would 
consecrate  my  life  to  making  foreigners  respect 
the  persons  of  the  high  class  Chinese,  and  in 
starting  this  crusade  I  saw  it  was  first  neces- 
sary to  drive  all  foreigners  out  of  our  sacred 
country." 

Both  midshipmen  were  astonished  at  the 
earnestness  in  Ta-Ling's  voice.  If  the  situa- 
tion had  been  reversed,  would  they  have 
acted  differently?  Had  not  this  man  ample 
reason  to  hate  all  foreigners? 

"  Even  if  some  of  our  stupidly  ignorant 
and  irresponsible  officials  could  not  distin- 
guish between  ranks  in  your  society,"  Phil 
urged,  "  why  should  you  revenge  yourself 
against  us?  We  are  innocent  of  all  blame. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         169 

We  came  into  your  city  under  the  sacred 
protection  of  a  flag  of  truce,  and  in  commit- 
ting a  crime  against  us  you  will  only  con- 
firm foreigners  in  their  belief  that  a  China- 
man is  not  worthy  of  considerate  treatment. 
Your  cause  will  not  be  benefited,  and  your 
people  will  suffer  ;  the  allied  fleet  will  avenge 
our  deaths  as  was  done  in  Peking." 

"  What  do  I  care  how  many  of  these  low- 
caste  dogs  die  ?  "  Ta-Ling  retorted  scornfully  ; 
"  there  are  over  four  hundred  million  of  such 
animals.  Your  deaths  will  force  the  foreign 
governments  to  wage  war  on  China,  and  once 
this  war  is  begun,  our  people  will  rise  up 
from  one  end  of  the  empire  to  the  other 
to  drive  the  foreigner  from  the  soil  of 
China." 

"  But  the  missionaries,  who  have  at  heart 
only  the  enlightenment  of  your  people," 
Phil  urged,  catching  his  clothes  stealthily 
from  the  ground  at  Ta-Ling's  feet. 

"  They,  of  all  the  foreigners  who  come  to 
China,"  the  Chinaman  returned  somewhat 
shamefacedly,  "  are  working  unselfishly,  but 
they  must  suffer  with  the  others  ;  all  foreign- 
ers must  go  for  China's  good. 


i;o  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  I  tell  you  these  things,"  he  ended,  turn- 
ing to  leave  the  midshipmen  with  their  jailer, 
"  because  your  death-warrants  have  already 
been  signed  by  the  viceroy.  At  the  first  hos- 
tile shot  fired  by  the  allies  your  heads  will 
pay  the  forfeit  and  we  shall  attack  the  mis- 
sion, guarded  now  by  your  sailors,  and  kill 
every  foreigner  within." 

As  Ta-Ling  left  them,  the  jailer  seized  the 
lads  roughly  and  dragged  them  toward  their 
cell.  As  the  door  closed  behind  them  Phil 
shuddered  at  the  demoniacal  laughs  of  deri- 
sion from  their  fellow  prisoners. 

"  Our  cause  has  a  bitter  enemy  in  Ta-Ling," 
Phil  whispered,  after  the  lads  had  been  sit- 
ting on  their  hard  wooden  bench  for  several 
minutes  and  the  noise  from  their  prison 
mates  had  subsided  ;  "  but  I  believe  he'll  fail. 
When  Commander  Hughes  commences  to 
throw  his  shells  into  the  city,  he'll  be  one  of 
the  first,  with  all  his  vain  show  of  patriotism, 
to  cry  enough  and  seek  safety." 

Sydney  did  not  reply  ;  his  thoughts  were 
upon  the  coming  night,  when  the  two  mid- 
shipmen were  to  make  their  dash  for  free- 
dom. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        171 

After  a  few  minutes  he  confided  his  fears 
to  his  friend. 

"  If  Ta-Ling  finds  that  we  have  talked  with 
the  Tartar  general  we're  as  good  as  dead  men," 
he  said  in  an  awed  whisper. 

This  terrible  thought  sent  a  shiver  through 
Phil. 

"  Did  you  notice  the  look  on  the  jailer's 
face  when  Ta-Ling  was  talking  to  him?" 
he  continued  in  an  anxious  voice ;  "  it  was 
one  of  cringing  fear.  If  Ta-Ling  even  sus- 
pects that  we  had  been  out  of  our  cell  and 
questions  that  man  he  will  tell  all.  The  jailer 
probably  is  keen  enough  to  know  that  Hang- 
Ki  and  Ta-Ling  are  enemies,  and  of  the  two 
he  fears  the  latter  most." 

"Well,  the  die  is  cast,"  Phil  answered, 
smiling  with  a  great  effort ;  "  there's  no  use 
crying  over  it.  We  are  either  going  to  escape 
to-night  or  we  are  going  to  have  our  heads 
chopped  off  out  there  in  the  courtyard.  Noth- 
ing that  we  can  do  can  alter  our  fate,  so  we 
might  just  as  well  look  cheerful,  even  though 
we  don't  feel  that  way,"  and  suiting  his  ac- 
tions to  his  words  he  began  to  whistle  the 
class  march. 


i72  A  UNITED  STATES 

Sydney  sat  mournfully  listening,  while  the 
Chinese  criminals  crowded  around  them, 
jabbering  noisily. 

The  hours  dragged  wearily  along.  As  the 
light  through  the  barred  door  became  dim- 
mer, foretelling  the  end  of  the  tedious  day, 
the  midshipmen's  hopes  rose  ;  so  far  Ta-Ling 
could  not  have  learned  of  their  visit  to  his 
enemy. 

The  midshipmen  were  taken  out  into  the 
courtyard  as  usual  for  their  evening  meal 
and  after  the  meagre  fare  had  been  eaten 
with  great  effort  by  the  anxious  and  impatient 
lads,  the  jailer  removed  their  irons  and 
washed  carefully  the  aching  sore  on  Sydney's 
wrist. 

Phil  was  delighted  to  see  that  the  man  had 
recovered  from  his  fear  of  a  few  hours  ago, 
and  that  he  lingered  a  much  longer  time 
than  seemed  necessary,  for  Sydney's  wrist  had 
been  securely  bound  with  Phil's  handkerchief 
and  appeared  to  be  healing,  auguring  well  for 
the  success  of  the  coming  night. 

It  was  quite  dark  when  the  jailer  had 
finished  his  solicitous  attentions,  and  replaced 
the  irons  on  their  feet  and  hands.  Motioning 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         173 

the  midshipmen  to  follow  him,  he  led  them 
along  the  stone  flagging  of  the  courtyard,  cau- 
tioning silence  by  raising  his  hand  and  shak- 
ing his  head  jerkily.  Loaded  down  as  they 
were  with  heavy  chains,  to  move  quietly  was 
not  an  easy  task,  and  was  one  calculated  to 
fatigue  the  lads  to  an  alarm  ing  extent  after  their 
two  days  of  cruel  torture  in  these  steel  bonds. 

After  traversing  nearly  half  the  length  of 
the  courtyard,  the  jailer  suddenly  threw  open 
a  door,  and  forcefully  pushed  them  through 
it  into  darkness.  The  door  closed  quietly  be- 
hind his  retreating  figure. 

Their  hearts  beating  fast,  Phil  and  Sydney 
strained  their  ears  to  catch  the  first  sound  of 
alarm.  Heavy  footfalls  approaching  on  the 
stone  pavement  soon  told  them  the  reason  of 
the  jailer's  haste  and  his  sudden  departure. 

Holding  their  breath  tightly,  they  heard 
the  newcomer  stop  hesitatingly  before  the 
door  of  their  cell,  then  after  a  second  he 
moved  farther  along,  and  finally  the  opening 
and  shutting  of  a  door  told  them  he  had 
entered  a  room  near  or  even  next  to  the  one 
in  which  the  two  midshipmen  had  been  so 
suddenly  thrust. 


i74  A  UNITED  STATES 

Sounds  of  a  low-pitched  voice  came  dis- 
tinctly to  their  ears  through  the  frail  partition  ; 
the  lads  listened  eagerly.  Then  the  bold 
tones  of  Langdon's  voice  sounded  dis- 
tinctly. 

"  For  a  man  who  was  educated  among 
white  men,"  he  was  saying  in  a  scornful  voice, 
"  you  seem  to  have  a  queer  idea  of  our  honesty. 
If  you  liberate  all,  I'll  take  the  letter  to  our 
captain,  but  I  shall  not  tell  him  I  believe  the 
viceroy  will  play  fair,  for  I  don't  believe  he 
will.  I  don't  trust  him,  nor  you.  Send  the 
letter  by  one  of  your  own  people,  and  see 
what  answer  he'll  send  back.  The  threat  that 
at  the  first  gun  fired  by  the  allies  our  heads 
will  be  chopped  off  will  not  affect  his  plans. 
What  are  two  midshipmen,  four  sailors,  and 
a  pilot  to  a  country  like  ours?" 

"  Commander  Ignacio  and  two  of  the  allied 
gunboats  have  accepted  the  viceroy's  word 
and  are  back  at  their  old  anchorage,"  Ta- 
Ling's  voice  urged.  "  That  shows  the  viceroy's 
good  faith." 

"  Don't  talk  to  me  of  that  traitor,"  Langdon 
exclaimed  ;  "  he  isn't  white  anyway  ;  his  skin 
is  as  yellow  as  yours." 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         175 

"Then  you  refuse  your  life?"  Ta-Ling's 
voice  asked. 

"  You  Chinese  are  a  soft-brained  lot," 
Langdon  said,  ignoring  the  question  ;  "  your 
intrigue  is  as  plain  as  children's  play.  Men 
like  Ignacio  might  be  fooled.  I  don't  know 
what  promises  you've  made  to  him.  Probably 
offered  to  give  his  countrymen  the  railroad 
concession  to  Peking,  which  your  viceroy  has 
cheated  the  Americans  out  of  by  his  under- 
hand dealings  ;  but  you  ought  to  know  after 
four  years  at  an  American  college  that  we  are 
not  that  kind.  Commander  Hughes  is  in 
this  river  to  see  that  Americans  are  left  un- 
molested, in  accordance  with  the  treaties 
made  between  the  two  countries." 

"  I  suppose  you  know  that  when  I  was  in 
your  America  I  personally  investigated  nearly 
a  score  of  murders  of  Chinese  in  what  you 
call  the  West.  Each  case  was  as  brutal  and 
flagrant  as  any  that  has  occurred  in  China," 
Ta-Ling's  voice  broke  in  triumphantly. 
"  How  then  can  you  boast  of  the  honesty  of 
your  people? — for  in  not  a  single  instance 
were  the  murderers  punished." 

"  That's  because   you   Chinese  are  a  weak 


176  A  UNITED  STATES 

race,  and  haven't  the  back-bone  to  stand  up 
for  your  rights,"  Langdon  replied,  "  while 
we  are  men  enough  to  insist  on  fair  treatment 
for  our  citizens  abroad.  That's  where  you  are 
lacking  in  national  character." 

A  rattle  of  chains  and  harsh  cries  of  rage 
and  pain  followed  the  sally  of  Langdon, 
causing  the  listeners  to  hold  themselves  rigid 
with  suppressed  excitement. 

"  That  beast !  "  Phil  whispered.  "  I  wish 
I  had  let  him  drown." 

"  I'll  go  to  your  midshipmen  friends,"  Ta- 
Ling  said  sullenly.  "  I  believe  they  are 
frightened  enough  to  be  bought  by  the  price 
you  refuse.  Remember,  I've  given  you  the  last 
chance  you'll  get." 

Langdon  was  apparently  too  angry  to  speak. 
The  lads  could  hear  distinctly  his  heavy 
breathing,  caused  by  some  torture  adminis- 
tered by  this  cruel  Chinaman. 

"You're  trying  to  hedge,  is  that  it?  "  the 
thick  voice  of  the  pilot  was  heard  to  say  ;  "  or 
do  you  count  upon  catching  the  gunboats  un- 
awares as  they  steam  by  the  forts  flying  flags 
of  truce?" 

The  Chinaman  administered  a  vicious  kick 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        177 

in  answer,  and  the  lads  held  their  breath  in 
almost  a  panic  as  they  heard  the  door  of 
Langdon's  cell  close  and  Ta-Ling's  footsteps 
die  slowly  away  down  the  courtyard. 

"  It's  all  up  with  us,"  Sydney  breathed 
hopelessly.  "  He'll  soon  find  we  are  not  in 

our  prison,  and  then "  he  ended  with  a 

shiver  as  his  thoughts  dwelt  upon  the  terrible 
death  by  decapitation. 

A  loud  clank  made  the  overwrought  mid- 
shipmen start  terrified ;  then  Phil  fairly 
gasped  with  surprise  and  joy ;  his  arm  man- 
acles had  fallen  to  the  ground. 

In  the  darkness  he  quickly  reached  out 
and  grasped  Sydney's  hand,  fingering  nerv- 
ously the  cruel  iron  bracelets.  The  metal 
rings  were  clamped  but  unlocked,  and  he 
readily  removed  the  irons  from  his  compan- 
ion's hands.  In  but  a  moment  more  they 
both  stood  free  of  their  retaining  bonds. 

"  Ta-Ling  and  the  jailer,"  Phil  whispered 
as  a  sound  of  approaching  footsteps  became 
audible.  "  If  they  enter  here  we  must  over- 
power them.  It's  our  one  chance  now." 

Sydney  moved  closer  to  Phil,  taking  his 
hand  in  silence,  and  pressing  it  in  sign 


178  A  UNITED  STATES 

of  his  readiness  to  follow  his  friend's 
lead. 

"  They  must  make  no  outcry,"  Phil  con- 
tinued. "  I'll  take  the  one  nearest  me." 

The  Chinamen  stopped  at  the  cell  door, 
and  the  voice  of  Ta-Ling  was  raised  angrily, 
storming  in  Chinese  at  the  jailer,  apparently 
for  daring  to  remove  the  prisoners  from  their 
former  cell. 

The  midshipmen  retreated  until  their  backs 
touched  the  wall  of  the  narrow  cell,  having 
replaced  their  hand  irons  to  appear  to  be  still 
in  chains. 

A  dim  light  shone  into  their  cell  as  the 
door  swung  loudly  open,  and  the  scowling 
face  of  Ta-Ling  appeared,  with  the  jailer  be- 
hind him,  timidly  holding  up  an  oil  lantern. 

"  So  you  didn't  like  to  be  kept  with  the 
rest  of  the  cattle?"  Ta-Ling's  cruel  voice  be- 
gan. Then  he  stopped  suddenly,  and  threw 
up  his  head  with  a  wicked  laugh.  "  You've 
heard  Langdon's  answer,  then  ?  "  he  contin- 
ued, signing  to  the  terrified  and  trembling 
jailer  to  put  down  the  lantern  on  the  solitary 
wooden  bench.  The  man  entered  the  cell  to 
obey,  leaving  the  door  open. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         179 

Phil  saw  the  time  had  come  for  action. 
He  sought  Sydney's  eye,  then  stealthily 
moved  his  foot,  quietly  throwing  the  door  off 
its  balance,  allowing  it  to  swing  slowly  closed. 
He  had  purposely  moved  so  that  Ta-Ling  in 
addressing  him  must  turn  his  back  upon 
Sydney  and  the  jailer.  Burning  with  excite- 
ment he  watched  Sydney  grasp  his  hand 
irons  firmly.  The  great  bulk  of  the  jailer 
loomed  almost  grotesquely  in  the  light  of  the 
flickering  lantern.  Fearing  that  Ta-Ling 
might  be  attracted  by  the  eagerness  which  he 
was  powerless  to  hide,  Phil  lowered  his  gaze, 
but  out  of  the  tail  of  his  eye  he  was  con- 
scious that  the  iron  flashed  in  the  lamp- 
light as  the  click  of  the  shutting  door 
caused  the  interpreter  to  glance  toward  it  sus- 
piciously. 

Then  a  rattle  of  chain  and  a  dull  sound  be- 
hind him  made  Ta-Ling  swing  suddenly 
around.  Phil's  opportunity  had  arrived. 
With  fingers  itching  for  this  cruel  China- 
man's throat  he  sprang  upon  him,  smother- 
ing the  cry  that  was  ready  to  give  the  alarm 
to  the  yamen  guard,  and  bore  him  heavily  to 
the  ground.  In  the  flickering  light  he  saw 


180  A  UNITED  STATES 

the  man's  face  turn  livid,  then  purple,  while 
his  muscles  relaxed.  Glancing  up,  he  saw 
Sydney  removing  a  great  bunch  of  keys  from 
the  prostrate  body  of  the  jailer. 


CHAPTER  XIII 

HOPES  OF    ESCAPE 

TA-LING  had  ceased  to  struggle ;  his  eyes 
protruded  in  ghastly  fashion,  while  through 
his  open  mouth  his  tongue  showed  blue  and 
swollen.  Phil  was  terrified  at  the  sight,  be- 
lieving he  had  killed  the  Chinaman,  but  upon 
opening  his  coat  he  felt  his  heart  beating 
faintly. 

With  a  sigh  of  great  relief  he  rose  to  his 
feet  and,  taking  the  lantern  in  his  hand,  he 
scanned  his  prostrate  victim. 

"  You  must  put  on  his  clothes  and  release 
Langdon,"  Sydney  whispered,  holding  the 
keys  out  toward  Phil. 

Without  a  word,  but  with  fingers  trembling 
with  excitement,  the  lad  stooped  down,  strip- 
ping the  robes  from  the  inanimate  form  ;  the 
baggy  trousers,  the  silken  hose  and  satin 
shoes  and  the  long  flowing  robe  with  the 
mandarin  square  of  the  scholar  embroidered 
in  gold  on  its  front. 

181 


182  A  UNITED  STATES 

Discarding  his  naval  uniform  he  hastily 
put  on  his  enemy's  garments.  When  com- 
pletely clothed  he  turned  to  Sydney,  who 
gasped  with  astonishment  at  the  altered  ap- 
pearance of  his  friend.  The  hat  with  its  horse- 
tail plume  and  pink  button  concealed  his 
long  front  hair  which  in  a  Chinaman  is  always 
missing,  being  shaved  close  to  his  scalp. 

Sydney  immediately  followed  his  comrade's 
example  and  was  soon  arrayed  in  the  costume 
of  the  Chinese  jailer. 

Phil  pointed  to  their  discarded  irons  and 
in  a  few  moments  they  had  snapped  feet  and 
hand  manacles  over  the  helpless  limbs  of  Ta- 
Ling.  Then  they  both  turned  impatiently 
toward  the  door.  Phil  hesitated  for  an  in- 
stant. 

"  They  may  come  to  before  we  can  make 
our  escape,"  he  said.  "  We  must  gag  them." 

Stripping  their  prisoners  of  their  undergar- 
ments, these  as  gags  were  tied  firmly  over  their 
mouths. 

"  I  hope  he  doesn't  smother,"  Phil  whis- 
pered in  some  alarm  ;  "  he  seems  to  be  hardly 
breathing." 

"  We  can't  take  any  chances  now,"  Sydney 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         183 

returned  calmly  ;  "  it's  their  life  or  ours.  If 
we  are  caught  now  nothing  can  save  us." 

To  make  more  sure  of  their  prisoners,  the 
arms  of  each  were  bound  to  their  sides,  so 
that  upon  regaining  consciousness  they  could 
not  work  their  gags  off  their  mouths  and  give 
the  alarm  to  the  yamen. 

"  I  hope  they'll  be  found  before  they  starve 
to  death,"  Phil  said  anxiously.  "  I  fear  the 
jailer  will  feel  that  we  are  ungrateful  for  his 
aid.  I  don't  dare  liberate  him  ;  he  may  in  fear 
betray  us  into  the  hands  of  the  guard." 

"  They'll  surely  be  found  in  the  morning," 
Sydney  assured  him.  "  Our  friends  the 
prisoners  will  clamor  when  their  breakfast 
doesn't  appear,  and  then  a  search  will  be  made 
for  him  and  for  us  too.  If  we  are  not  found 
before,"  he  ended  grimly. 

"  What's  this  !  "  Phil  exclaimed,  drawing 
from  the  inside  pocket  of  his  Chinese  coat  a 
number  of  papers  and  examining  them  in  the 
light  of  the  lantern.  "  A  telegram !  "  he  cried, 
"  and  addressed  to  Commander  Hughes !  " 

Both  lads  gazed  at  the  sealed  envelope  as  if 
they  would -like  to  bore  through  the  outer 
covering  and  read  the  message  within. 


184  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  Dare  we  open  it?  "  Phil  asked.  "  If  it  is 
in  the  ordinary  cipher  I  know  the  key  word. 
It  may  be  something  important,  and  as 
well  for  us  to  know  the  contents  if  we  lose  the 
telegram.  And  here  is  a  letter  addressed  to 
the  captain/'  he  continued  excitedly.  "This 
is  surely  the  one  which  Ta-Ling  tempted 
Langdon  to  take.  But  come,"  he  added 
hastily,  "  we  must  not  allow  him  to  be  a 
minute  longer  in  his  chains." 

Taking  the  keys  from  Sydney's  hand,  he 
opened  the  cell  door  and  led  the  way  to  the 
door  of  Langdon's  prison.  There  was  no 
sound  in  the  enclosure  except  an  occasional 
shrill  cry  from  the  prisoners  at  the  far  corner. 
As  they  waited  in  the  silent  courtyard  to 
make  sure  all  was  well  before  entering,  Lang- 
don's heavy  breathing  came  distinctly  to  their 
ears. 

After  a  few  seconds  Phil  selected  the  right 
key  and  the  next  moment  the  door  swung 
open,  while  the  lad  whispered  softly  : 

"  Langdon  ! " 

But  there  was  no  answer  ;  then  the  dim 
light  shed  its  fitful  rays  about  the  dungeon 
and  the  lad  gave  a  smothered  cry  of  concern, 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         185 

for  the  sight  which  met  his  gaze  was  indeed 
appalling  :  Langdon,  bound  tightly,  was  triced 
up  to  a  beam  overhead  by  his  feet  and  the 
iron  ring  about  his  neck,  and  he  was  by 
degrees  strangling  to  death. 

The  anxious  lads  quickly  cut  the  ropes  and 
lowered  the  insensible  man  to  the  floor.  Then 
removing  the  irons  they  worked  over  him 
anxiously  while  the  time  passed  on  winged 
feet.  Finally  the  pilot  opened  his  eyes  and 
stared  at  the  lads  with  angry,  sullen  eyes, 
making  a  futile  attempt  to  speak. 

"  You  miserable  coward,"  he  finally  man- 
aged to  say  in  a  thick  whisper.  "  I  hope  some 
day  you'll  be  treated  as  you've  treated  me." 

The  midshipmen  were  at  first  so  taken 
aback  that  they  were  silent.  Then  the 
comical  part  of  the  tragedy  appealed  to  them 
and  in  that  instant  Langdon  recognized  his 
rescuers. 

"  We've  got  him  now  in  almost  the  same 
condition  that  you  were  in,"  Phil  whispered. 

The  pilot  gazed  in  wonder  at  the  midship- 
men. Raising  a  trembling  hand  he  passed  it 
over  his  eyes  uncertainly,  as  if  he  would 
sweep  away  the  delusion. 


i8f>  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  What  does  it  mean  ?  "  he  asked  weakly. 

"  It  means  that  we  are  for  the  time  free," 
Phil  answered  ;  "  but  come,  we  must  start.  If 
we  delay  Ta-Ling  may  be  missed  and  a  search 
for  him  would  spoil  all.  Can  you  walk?" 
he  asked  solicitously. 

"  In  a  minute,"  the  pilot  replied.  "  Help 
me  to  my  feet.  I'd  have  been  gone  in  a  half 
hour  more,"  he  added,  feeling  his  sore  and 
swollen  throat. 

The  lads  helped  him  to  his  feet  and  he 
stood  unsteadily,  leaning  his  great  weight  on 
their  shoulders. 

"  It  was  partly  our  fault,"  Sydney  said 
apologetically  ;  "  he  no  doubt  intended  coming 
back  and  lowering  you ;  but  we  couldn't 
allow  him  to  leave  our  cell." 

After  a  few  minutes  more  to  permit  Lang- 
don  to  regain  his  strength  and  give  the  blood 
a  chance  to  circulate  into  his  cramped  limbs, 
Phil  made  the  motion  to  follow,  and  all  three 
noiselessly  filed  out  into  the  courtyard  and 
entered  the  cell  where  the  Chinamen  were 
lying. 

The  interpreter's  breathing  showed  that  he 
would  soon  regain  his  senses.  Langdon 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         187 

glared  triumphantly  down  upon  the  villain 
who  would  gladly  kill  all  the  foreigners 
within  the  Chinese  Empire. 

"He's  not  half  gagged,"  he  exclaimed  in  a 
hoarse  whisper.  Then  he  untied  the  gag 
which  the  lads  had  made  and  jammed  the 
mandarin's  mouth  full  of  his  own  clothing, 
binding  it  in  with  a  tight  bandage.  After 
rearranging  the  jailer's  gag.  he  arose  and 
gloated  over  the  fallen  favorite  of  the  viceroy. 

Phil  had  torn  open  the  telegram  and  in  the 
dim  light  scanned  it  anxiously.  Then  he 
drew  from  his  pocket  a  pencil  and  in  silence 
wrote  the  key  word  above  the  words  of  the 
message.  Sydney  regarded  him  in  a  fever  of 
excitement.  Finally  Phil's  pencil  was  still 
and  he  looked  up  with  a  white,  anxious  face. 

"  I'd  like  to  destroy  it,  but  I  don't  dare," 
he  said.  Then  he  read  in  a  voice  trembling 
with  emotion  : 

"  Department  condemns  your  actions  in 
entering  To-Yan  Lake  and  attacking  Chinese 
soldiers.  Proceed  immediately  back  to  Ku- 
Ling  and  offer  ample  apology  to  viceroy. 
Consider  yourself  relieved  of  your  command." 

If  a  shell  had  exploded  in  their  midst  the 


i88  A  UNITED  STATES 

eager  listeners  could  not  have  been  more  sur- 
prised. 

"  Burn  it  up,"  Langdon  exclaimed  in- 
dignantly. "  That's  the  way  things  are  run 
from  a  distance  of  ten  thousand  miles." 
Then  his  glance  encountered  the  wide-open 
eyes  of  Ta-Ling  and  he  snorted  with  rage  as 
he  roughly  jerked  the  bound  Chinaman  to  his 
feet. 

"  Did  you  hear  it?  "  he  cried. 

The  mandarin's  eyes  burned  balefully  as 
he  nodded  his  head  in  assent.  Langdon  re- 
leased the  Chinaman,  and  but  for  Phil's  steady- 
ing hand  he  would  have  fallen  to  the  floor. 
Then  the  pilot  raised  the  long  braided  cue  of 
the  interpreter  and  with  a  swift  cut  of  his 
jack-knife  severed  it  close  up  to  the  China- 
man's head  ;  the  next  second,  holding  it  out  to 
Phil,  he  cried  gleefully  : 

"  Put  this  on  under  your  cap  ;  it's  all  you 
need  to  complete  your  costume. 

"  You  won't  be  so  keen  to  show  yourself  in 
public  hereafter,"  he  continued  spitefully  to 
the  mandarin. 

Ta-Ling  was  beside  himself  with  rage,  but 
he  could  only  grow  red  and  utter  inarticu- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         189 

late  sounds,  while  Langdon  sat  on  the  wooden 
bench  laughing  scornfully  at  the  disgraced 
official. 

"  If  he  doesn't  commit  suicide  in  twenty- 
four  hours,  it's  because  he's  chicken-hearted." 
Langdon  laughed  in  a  low  tone,  mainly  for 
the  Chinaman's  ear.  The  pilot  knew  he  held 
the  secret  of  the  cablegram.  Apparently  he 
had  guessed  at  the  contents  and  was  going  to 
send  it  together  with  the  letter  for  the  Ameri- 
can captain.  If  the  viceroy  knew  the  stand 
that  was  being  taken  by  the  American  govern- 
ment, every  missionary  in  the  valley  of  the 
Yangtse  would  be  unsafe.  The  mandarin 
officials  in  the  towns  of  the  provinces  were  as 
yet  guarding  the  foreigners  against  attack  un- 
til they  could  be  sure  of  the  outcome  at  Ku- 
Ling.  Once  the  viceroy  had  humbled  the  for- 
eign pride  then  the  rabble  would  be  free  to 
indulge  its  aroused  hatred. 

Phil  cut  short  the  pilot's  mirth  by  taking 
him  by  the  arm  and  leading  him  silently  to 
the  door.  Once  outside  the  cell  the  lad 
showed  him  the  sketch  plan  of  the  yamen 
with  the  path  they  must  take  to  reach  the 
room  where  clothes  would  be  found. 


190  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  If  we  only  knew  where  the  sailors  are," 
Sydney  whispered. 

Phil  shook  his  head.  It  might  only  defeat 
them,  and  the  sailors  would  be  no  better  off. 

Langdon  for  the  first  time  realized  that  he 
was  not  in  the  plot  and  would  have  asked  many 
questions,  but  Phil  and  Sydney  grasped  him 
firmly  on  each  side  as  if  he  were  their  pris- 
oner and  marched  openly  down  the  stone 
pavement  of  the  courtyard.  The  place  indica- 
ted on  the  sketch  was  easily  found  and  Phil, 
leaving  his  companions,  pushed  the  door 
quietly  open.  The  room  was  lighted  by  a 
single  swinging  lamp,  while  in  one  corner  sat 
a  Chinaman  reckoning  laboriously  on  his 
abacus,  a  counting  device  used  by  the  Orien- 
tal races  ;  the  click  of  the  small  wooden  balls 
as  he  moved  them  along  their  wires  sounded 
distinctly  in  the  quiet  of  the  room. 

As  Phil  closed  the  door  softly  behind  him 
the  Chinaman  glanced  up  casually,  speaking 
a  few  words  in  his  guttural  tongue.  The  lad 
made  no  reply,  but  glanced  about  hastily  to 
make  sure  those  near  could  not  discover  what 
was  about  to  happen.  His  heart  was  beating 
fast.  He  saw  a  door  beyond  the  victim  which 


H 


E  MEASURED  THE  STRENGTH 
OF  HIS  ANTAGONIST 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         191 

he  knew  must  lead  directly  into  the  viceroy's 
own  apartments ;  voices,  almost  inaudible, 
came  to  his  ears  from  the  rooms  on  the  other 
side  of  that  slender  partition.  He  saw  that 
he  must  work  quickly  and  silently.  Any 
moment  the  door  might  open  and  he  would 
be  discovered,  for  his  disguise  would  be  use- 
less under  the  direct  gaze  of  a  Chinese  man- 
darin. The  treasurer  had  seen  him  but  indis- 
tinctly and  had  taken  for  granted  that  he  was 
Ta-Ling. 

Moving  silently  to  the  side  of  the  absorbed 
Chinaman,  Phil  stood  for  the  fraction  of  a 
second  looking  down  on  his  work.  His  eyes 
sought  out  the  curve  of  the  neck  in  its 
enveloping  robe  while  he  measured  the 
strength  of  his  antagonist.  Raising  his  hands 
in  readiness,  he  poised  them  aloft  ready  to  grasp 
the  slender  neck  within  his  muscular  fingers. 

As  if  by  premonition  of  the  danger  threat- 
ening him,  the  Chinaman  dropped  his  hands 
from  the  abacus  and  glanced  swiftly  up  into 
Phil's  face.  The  next  second  the  midship- 
man's hands  had  encircled  his  neck  and  the 
terrified  outcry  which  the  lad  saw  in  his 
frightened  eyes  was  stifled. 


192  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  Hurry,  Langdon  !  "  Phil  whispered  over 
his  shoulder,  as  the  pilot  noiselessly  entered  to 
dress  himself  in  one  of  the  many  robes  hang- 
ing about  the  room. 

While  Phil  slowly  reduced  the  treasurer  to 
a  harmless  state,  the  pilot  made  a  hasty 
change,  and  as  the  lads  had  done,  rolled  his 
own  clothes  in  a  bundle,  concealing  them  un- 
der his  flowing  robe. 

With  articles  of  clothing  the  Americans 
silently  bound  and  gagged  the  treasurer  and 
laid  his  body  away,  hidden  from  the  view  of 
the  casual  observer  entering  the  room  ;  then 
the  three  proceeded  to  carry  out  the  last  and 
most  trying  stage  of  their  perilous  adventure. 

Phil  leading,  they  arrived  in  sight  of  the 
outer  gate.  So  far  no  guards  had  been  met,  but 
now  with  sinking  heart  Phil  saw  a  large 
crowd  gathered  on  the  outside  of  the  open 
gateway.  Soldiers,  their  muskets  in  hand, 
stood  stolidly  on  guard,  while  others  sat  on 
the  ground,  chattering  volubly.  Was  this 
but  the  usual  crowd  always  seen  at  the  gates 
of  a  Chinese  yamen — the  poor  awaiting 
crumbs  from  the  rich  man's  table?  Over- 
head several  oil  lanterns  shed  their  meagre 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         193 

light  upon  the  assemblage.  The  score  or 
more  of  Chinese  would  surely  penetrate  their 
disguise !  He  saw  Langdon  raise  his  hand 
with  its  flowing  sleeve  to  his  face,  and  quickly 
imitated  the  movement,  nudging  Sydney  to 
do  likewise. 

A  hoarse  cry  rang  out  from  the  guard  at 
the  gate  as  they  approached,  which  sent  chills 
of  terror  down  the  lad's  spine.  His  first  in- 
clination was  to  turn  and  flee  back  into  the 
yamen  and  he  stopped  so  abruptly  that  Syd- 
ney trod  on  his  heels.  What  were  the  men 
at  the  gate  calling  to  each  other  ? 


CHAPTER  XIV 

THE    ESCAPE 

FOR  the  moment  the  midshipmen  were  sure 
that  they  had  been  discovered.  Then  Lang- 
don's  low  voice  reassured  them  : 

"  Come,  it's  all  right.  They  take  us  for 
mandarins,  and  are  calling  the  guard  to  'at- 
tention/ Keep  your  sleeves  over  your  faces 
and  don't  look  up  as  we  pass." 

Again  the  Americans  were  in  motion  to- 
ward the  lighted  gateway.  With  hearts  beat- 
ing high,  in  a  terrible  suspense,  their  feet  me- 
chanically carried  them  slowly  toward  the 
spot  where  they  would  be  under  the  fire  of  a 
scrutiny  of  scores  of  people  whose  nationality 
the  Americans  were  endeavoring  to  counter- 
feit. Would  not  the  Chinese  see  through 
their  flimsy  disguise?  As  the  escaping  men 
passed  the  first  guard,  he  raised  his  rifle 
smartly  to  the  "present"  in  salute,  but  the 
quick  motion  struck  terror  to  Phil's  heart, 
194 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         195 

making  him  jump  aside  involuntarily  as  if  he 
were  dodging  an  expected  blow.  Shame- 
facedly the  lad  recovered  himself  by  a  great 
effort.  In  a  moment  more  the  gateway  was 
passed  and  the  Americans  found  themselves 
on  the  edge  of  the  inquisitive  crowd. 

Langdon  raised  his  hand,  and  immediately 
three  chairs  were  brought  by  coolies  from  the 
edge  of  the  narrow  street  and  placed  obedi- 
ently on  the  ground  before  them.  Phil 
longed  to  be  within  the  shadow  of  the  chair 
canopies.  How  could  these  Chinamen  be  so 
easily  deceived  !  As  he  fairly  dived  into  the 
friendly  darkness  of  the  nearest  chair  he  cast 
a  swift,  uneasy  glance  at  the  crowd.  The 
reason  of  their  immunity  was  plain.  The  eyes 
of  the  crowd  were  directed  upon  the  ground 
for  fear  in  the  presence  of  their  all-powerful 
rulers. 

Langdon  gave  a  brief  order  in  Chinese. 
With  high  hopes  for  success  Phil  felt  his 
chair  borne  upward  to  the  muscular  shoulders 
of  the  coolie  carriers  and  then  with  loud 
shouts  of  warning  to  the  crowd  to  make  way, 
they  started  off  in  a  long,  swinging  walk.  Phil 
drew  his  curtains  tightly  shut  and  lay  back 


196  A  UNITED  STATES 

with  a  great  sigh  of  relief  in  his  cushioned 
seat. 

They  were  out  of  the  yamen  at  last,  but  the 
city  gate  must  yet  be  passed.  If  their  absence 
were  discovered  while  they  were  yet  within 
the  walled  city  their  recapture  was  assured. 

Although  the  coolies  traveled  at  a  lively 
pace,  it  seemed  to  the  anxious  Americans  that 
they  were  but  crawling  through  the  deserted 
streets  ;  the  Chinese  on  account  of  the  lateness 
of  the  hour  were  all  within  their  hovel-like 
houses.  An  occasional  soldier,  clanking  a 
chain  loudly  to  frighten  away  demons,  and 
calling  out  in  his  harsh  language  that  all  was 
well,  brought  a  sudden  shock  to  Phil's  high- 
strung  nerves. 

At  last  the  gate  of  the  city  was  reached  and 
the  chairs  stopped.  Through  his  bamboo 
screen  Phil  saw  that  the  guards  were  hesi- 
tating about  opening  the  gate.  Once  a  gate 
was  closed  an  order  from  the  viceroy  alone 
could  open  it  between  the  setting  and  rising  of 
the  sun. 

An  officer  came  forward,  peering  inside  the 
protecting  hoods.  Phil  believed  that  all  was 
lost  as  he  felt,  even  in  the  gloom  of  his  chair, 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         197 

the  scrutinizing  gaze  upon  him.  The  officer 
spoke  a  few  words,  and  the  lad  realized  by 
the  rising  inflection  in  the  man's  voice  that 
he  was  asking  a  question.  The  midship- 
man nodded  and  raising  his  hand  pointed 
haughtily  to  the  gate. 

Then  to  his  joy  the  officer  withdrew  his 
head  as  if  satisfied  and  gave  an  order  in  a 
loud  voice.  Immediately  the  gate  swung 
open  and  with  a  rattle  of  rusty  chain  the 
drawbridge  was  lowered. 

Quickly  the  Americans  were  carried  through 
the  gate  and  across  the  moat.  They  had  left  the 
terrors  of  the  walled  city  and  were  now  upon 
the  neutral  ground  of  the  foreign  concession. 
As  they  passed  over  the  wide  streets,  in  great 
contrast  to  the  ill-kept,  narrow  ones  of  the 
Chinese  city,  the  pungent  odors  of  the  docks 
struck  pleasantly  upon  their  nostrils. 

Phil's  chair  was  still  in  the  lead,  and  the 
Chinese  carriers,  as  if  acting  under  instruc- 
tions, trudged  steadily  onward  to  the  "  Bund," 
the  street  paralleling  the  water  front.  Finally 
the  coolies  halted,  putting  the  chairs  down  for 
the  occupants  to  alight.  Phil  disentangled 
himself  from  the  enshrouding  curtains  and 


Kj8  A  UNITED  STATES 

stood  on  the  broad  street,  joyfully  inhaling  the 
fresh  air  of  the  river,  while  Langdon  waved 
the  coolies  to  be  gone. 

Once  alone  the  Americans  were  at  liberty 
to  talk.  Phil  told  in  as  few  words  as  possible 
of  their  visit  to  Emmons  and  the  Tartar 
general. 

"  Where  is  Emmons?"  Langdon  exclaimed 
irritably.  "  We're  in  as  much  danger  as  ever 
here.  The  foreigners  have  all  fled.  The 
concession  is  deserted,  and  doubtless  the  streets 
are  full  of  robbers  who  would  very  cheerfully 
pitch  us  into  the  river  for  the  sake  of  a  few 
Mexican  dollars." 

Phil  was  about  to  disclaim  any  knowledge 
of  the  whereabouts  of  the  half-breed,  when 
Sydney's  exclamation  of  surprise  drew  his 
attention  to  three  small  gunboats  anchored 
in  the  river  but  a  short  distance  away,  and  the 
bright  lights  of  a  steam  launch  approaching 
the  jetty  from  one  of  their  dark  hulls. 

Phil's  heart  was  filled  with  joy.  Here  at 
last  was  safety  ! 

The  three  men  hastened  gladly  to  the  land- 
ing at  which  the  launch  had  arrived,  while 
Phil  stepped  forward  to  accost  an  officer  who 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         199 

had  hastily  left  the  launch  and  was  approach- 
ing up  the  ladder  from  the  landing  float 
below. 

"  You  are  late,"  the  newcomer  said  irritably. 
14  I've  been  watching  the  landing  for  over  an 
hour." 

Phil  was  about  to  reply,  but  something 
which  he  could  not  explain  held  his  tongue, 
for  he  recognized  instantly  the  voice  of 
Ignacio. 

"  Where  are  your  chairs  ?  "  Commander  Ig- 
nacio continued ;  "  you  can  hardly  expect  me  to 
walk  through  the  dirty  streets  of  your  ill-smell- 
ing city,  even  for  the  pleasure  of  seeing  that 
young  braggart  tortured  in  true  Chinese  fash- 
ion. You  see  I  am  not  entirely  confident  of 
you  and  your  viceroy,  so  I  have  brought  along 
a  few  companions ; "  he  pointed  toward  the  float, 
where  eight  or  ten  sailors  had  disembarked 
from  the  launch,  rifles  in  hand. 

Phil's  tongue  clove  to  the  top  of  his  mouth 
at  the  suddenness  of  their  dilemma.  What 
should  he  do?  Ignacio  had  said  too  much 
now  to  cover  his  tracks,  and  his  sailors  would 
undoubtedly  obey  his  orders,  even  to  killing 
three  innocent  Americans  in  cold  blood. 


200  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  Come,  what  are  we  waiting  for  ?  "  the 
foreigner  added,  grasping  Phil's  arm,  and 
turning  him  away  from  the  river.  "  I  don't 
want  to  lose  all  my  sleep ;  it's  nearly  ten  o'clock 
now." 

Phil's  companions  stood  by  speechless. 
Even  Langdon  with  all  his  sang  froid  was  at 
a  loss  what  to  do.  To  reveal  their  true  char- 
acter to  their  enemy  would  mean  that  at  the 
least  he  would  take  them  forcibly  back  to  the 
viceroy.  Phil  at  the  Naval  Academy  had 
been  declared  a  fine  mimic  and  in  the  class 
minstrel  shows  he  had  to  the  delight  of  the 
brigade  caricatured  and  impersonated  each  of 
the  officers  on  duty  at  the  school.  Could  he 
impersonate  Ta-Ling  ?  Was  it  possible  to 
imitate  his  voice  and  the  peculiar  pronuncia- 
tion of  the  English  words?  It  was  their  only 
hope.  Even  if  he  failed,  they  could  be  no 
worse  off. 

By  a  great  effort  he  stilled  the  rapid  heart- 
beats and  brought  his  trembling  voice  under 
control. 

"  I  was  detained  by  his  Excellency  the 
viceroy,"  he  began  in  a  voice  that  startled 
even  himself  and  made  Langdon  and  Sydney 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         201 

fairly  jump  with  surprise  and  glance  hastily 
around  for  the  owner  of  that  despised  voice  ; 
"  but  if  you  are  now  ready  we  can  start.  The 
chairs  are  up  the  street  only  a  short  distance." 

Commander  Ignacio  voiced  his  willingness 
and  the  two  men  in  the  lead,  followed  by 
Sydney  and  the  pilot,  retraced  their  steps 
toward  the  gate  of  the  walled  city. 

"Send  your  men  back  to  the  ship,"  Phil, 
stopping  suddenly,  said  in  the  voice  of  Ta- 
Ling.  "  You  know  me  well  enough  to  know 
that  I  have  no  wish  to  harm  you." 

Commander  Ignacio  hesitated.  Doubtless 
he  felt  safer  with  a  few  trusty  sailors  between 
himself  and  the  treacherous  Chinese. 

"  Did  you  send  my  telegrams  ?  "  he  asked 
quickly ;  "  and  have  any  come  from  Washing- 
ton for  that  American  pig?" 

"  Yours  were  sent,"  Phil  answered  promptly, 
"but  the  American  captain  has  received 
none." 

"  Well,  it  will  come,  I'm  sure,  and  then 
after  he  is  disgraced,  I  shall  be  chosen  as  the 
leader  of  the  allies,"  the  foreign  captain  said 
boastfully  ;  "  but  you  must  keep  your  part  of 
the  contract  and  hold  your  people  in  check 


202  A  UNITED  STATES 

until  I  can  get  the  credit  of  quelling  the  dis- 
turbance. Say  a  month  before  you  kill  these 
flat-chested  missionaries." 

"  That  was  our  agreement,"  Phil  replied  ; 
"  now  show  that  you  have  confidence  in  me 
and  send  your  men  aboard." 

Commander  Ignacio  reluctantly  left  Phil's 
side  and  walked  back  to  the  landing  float  to 
give  his  orders. 

"Don't  open  your  mouths'!"  Phil  whis- 
pered in  a  tense  voice.  "  When  his  men  are 
once  out  of  sight  I'll  lead  him  to  where  he 
thinks  the  chairs  are  waiting.  When  I  raise 
my  hand,  jump  on  him  like  a  ton  of  brick. 
The  chairs  we  got  were  waiting  for  Ta-Ling  and 
they  may  now  be  waiting  for  him  near  here,  so 
we  must  be  quiet  about  it.  I  noticed  the  coolies 
were  surprised  when  Langdon  motioned  them 
to  go." 

Phil  had  barely  finished  his  instructions 
before  Commander  Ignacio  rejoined  him. 

"  I've  sent  them  back,"  he  said  in  a  voice 
that  showed  plainly  his  dislike  at  so  doing, 
"  and  ordered  the  launch  to  return  and  wait 
for  me.  Have  you  the  viceroy's  promise  for 
the  railroad  concession  ? "  he  ended  covet- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         203 

ously  ;  "  it  means  fifty  thousand  1  Mexican  to 
you  when  the  deed  is  signed." 

11  Yes,  that's  all  fixed,"  Phil  replied,  now 
laughing  inwardly  at  the  success  of  his  strat- 
egy, as  he  saw  the  steam  launch  with  the 
sailors  leave  the  float  and  head  back  to  their 
ship. 

"  Remember  your  promise  to  make  way 
with  those  three  Americans.  Their  govern- 
ment will  do  nothing  except  demand  satisfac- 
tion," the  foreigner  urged  earnestly.  "That 
means  a  little  money  squeezed  from  the 
viceroy's  hoarded  savings  and  half  a  dozen  cut- 
throats beheaded  in  the  presence  of  the 
American  representatives." 

"  But  you  only  asked  that  one  of  them  be 
executed,"  Phil  returned,  aghast  at  his  joke 
on  such  a  gruesome  topic. 

"  Well,  I  might  have  said  only  one," 
Ignacio  made  answer  ;  "  he  is  the  darker  of 
the  two  midshipmen  ;  the  one  that  dared  re- 
buke me  at  the  council  before  the  viceroy  ; 
but  the  others  know  too  much  to  go  free." 

By  this  time  the  party  had  left  the  docks 
and  were  walking  slowly  up  the  street  lead- 

1  Mexican  dollars. 


204  A  UNITED  STATES 

ing  to  the  city  gate.  The  street  was  in  dark- 
ness. The  few  lanterns  had  not  been  lighted 
since  the  exodus  of  the  foreigners,  and  as 
they  passed  the  large  buildings,  it  was 
plainly  seen  that  the  foreign  concession  had 
been  given  over  to  pillage ;  the  steps  and 
pavement  in  front  were  littered  with  articles 
which  could  not  easily  be  carried  away  by 
the  avaricious  Chinamen. 

"Have  you  a  revolver?"  Phil  asked.  "I 
am  not  armed,  and  sometimes  these  robbers 
are  dangerous  if  they  think  they  can  get 
money." 

Phil  wanted  to  know  if  Ignacio  was  armed. 
He  feared  that  in  the  struggle  which  was 
soon  to  come  a  pistol  might  be  accidentally 
discharged,  which  would  not  only  arouse  the 
Chinese  guards  at  the  gate  scarcely  a  few 
hundred  yards  away,  but  might  bring  a  party 
of  sailors  from  Commander  Ignacio's  ship. 

"  Yes,  two  ;  one  in  each  pocket,"  the  for- 
eigner answered,  shoving  his  hands  in  the 
pockets  of  his  naval  tunic.  "  I  always  carry 
them,  and  I  can  shoot  through  my  coat  from 
the  hip  and  hit  every  time." 

"  Good,"  Phil  thought ;   "  they'll  come  in 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        205 

very  handy  for  us  before  the  night  is 
over." 

They  were  nearing  a  part  of  the  street 
which  to  the  lad  seemed  the  very  place  to 
carry  out  his  design  to  render  harmless  the 
companion  walking  so  confidently  beside  him. 

"  Our  chairs  should  be  near  here,"  he  said, 
leading  the  way  down  a  narrow  alley  behind 
a  great  white  building,  the  English  Bank, 
which  Phil  recognized  as  the  scene  of  his  first 
encounter  with  Commander  Ignacio.  What 
spot  could  be  more  fitting  for  this  last  encoun- 
ter ?  Then  he  continued :  "  What  makes 
you  think  a  telegram  will  come  from  Wash- 
ington disgracing  the  American  captain?" 

"The  telegram  you  sent  me  this  morning 
was  from  my  friend,  the  naval  attache*  in 
Washington;  he  says  it  is  already  published 
in  the  American  paper,"  Commander  Ignacio 
answered.  "  Everything  is  printed  in  the 
newspapers  in  America,  you  know.  They  do 
not  understand  there  the  military  value  of 
secrecy,  which  is  the  fundamental  basis  of 
diplomacy." 

Phil  ground  his  teeth  in  rage  and  mortifi- 
cation. He  could  have  struck  the  man  down 


206  A  UNITED  STATES 

for  talking  of  his  country  and  countrymen 
so  slurringly.  Yet  he  could  only  acknowledge 
that  the  man  was  but  repeating  what  had 
often  been  said  in  Europe. 

"  Where  are  the  chairs  ?  "  Commander 
Ignacio  asked  in  some  alarm,  as  they  reached 
the  end  of  the  alley  and  it  was  apparent  that 
the  square,  court-like  space  was  empty.  Phil 
appeared  to  search  the  deeper  shadows  with 
his  eyes,  at  the  same  time  making  the  guttural 
call  which  he  had  heard  used  by  Chinamen 
calling  to  them  a  chair  and  coolies.  Ignacio 
still  had  one  hand  in  his  pocket  and  Phil  felt 
sure  his  nervous  finger  was  on  a  trigger.  The 
lad  racked  his  brain  to  devise  some  scheme  to 
get  him  off  his  guard.  Even  now  his  suspi- 
cions might  have  been  aroused. 

Langdon  and  Sydney  were  close  behind 
their  victim,  doubtless  watching  eagerly  for 
the  sign  from  Phil.  Ignacio  stood  close  to  a 
door,  his  right  hand,  which  was  no  doubt  encir- 
cling the  butt  of  a  revolver,  nearest  the  knob. 

"Try  that  door,"  Phil  said  in  as  careless 
tones  as  he  could  command.  "  It's  rather 
damp  outside  and  they  might  have  gone  in- 
side to  sleep." 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        207 

It  apparently  did  not  occur  to  the  foreigner 
that  the  great  bulky  chairs  would  not  be  taken 
inside,  and  if  the  coolies  were  there  the  chairs 
would  have  been  plainly  in  evidence  in  the 
court,  for  he  unguardedly  took  his  right  hand 
from  his  pocket  and  raised  it  to  the  door- 
knob. 

Phil  waited  not  a  second,  but  raised  his 
hand  quickly  above  his  head.  He  saw  the 
bodies  of  Sydne}^  and  Langdon  hurl  them- 
selves upon  the  unguarded  victim.  Then  the 
door  flew  open  inward  and  his  heart  stopped 
beating  with  terror  and  dismay,  while  the 
silence  was  broken  by  the  loud  report  of  a 
pistol  shot,  accompanied  by  the  most  unearthly 
yells  he  had  ever  heard. 


CHAPTER  XV 

AN  ENEMY  SILENCED 

LANGDON  and  Sydney  had  so  forcibly  driven 
their  enemy  to  the  ground  that  one  of  the 
revolvers,  which  was  cocked,  had  gone  off,  the 
noise  of  the  discharge  reverberating  through 
the  bare  building  in  a  most  startling  way. 
Intent  upon  their  work,  the  pilot  had  seized 
the  wrists  of  the  foreign  captain  in  an  iron 
grip,  while  Sydney  quickly  disarmed  him. 

Phil's  heart  stopped  beating  at  the  sight 
which  presented  itself  as  the  door  swung  wide 
open.  By  the  light  of  three  or  four  dripping 
candles,  he  saw  a  dozen  Chinamen  seated 
about  the  floor  of  the  room. 

As  the  lad  forced  his  way  boldly  into  the 
midst  of  the  startled  Chinamen,  holding  before 
him  a  revolver  taken  from  Sydney's  hand  in 
passing,  the  surprised  Orientals  threw  them- 
selves face  downward  upon  the  floor,  whining 
piteously  for  mercy. 

Leaving  the  disarmed  foreigner  to  Sydney, 
208 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        209 

Langdon  quickly  joined  the  other  midship- 
man, surrounded  as  he  was  by  the  cringing 
and  terror-stricken  natives. 

"  Canton  Chinamen,"  he  whispered  ;  "  these 
must  be  Emmons'  launch  crews  ;  but  what  are 
they  doing  here  ?  " 

Langdon  raised  his  voice,  addressing  the 
terrified  men.  At  the  sound  of  their  own 
tongue  a  Chinaman  raised  himself  tremblingly 
from  the  floor,  his  fear  giving  place  to  joy  as 
he  recognized  the  familiar  voice  of  the  pilot, 
whom  he  had  so  frequently  seen  piloting  ships 
on  the  great  river. 

After  a  few  minutes'  conversation  with  the 
native  Langdon  turned  to  Phil,  drawing  the 
lad  out  of  ear-shot  of  their  helpless  enemy  lying 
upon  the  floor  with  Sydney's  muscular  weight 
upon  his  chest. 

"  It  looks  bad  for  us ! "  he  exclaimed. 
"  This  man,  Nam-Sing,  is  one  of  Emmons' 
head  men,  and  these  men  are  his  crew.  A 
mob  this  afternoon  looted  the  foreign  conces- 
sion and  destroyed  all  of  Emmons'  launches, 
butchering  the  Canton  Chinese  crews  in  cold 
blood.  The  foreign  gunboats,  he  says,  looked 
on  and  would  not  interfere.  Emmons,  he 


210  A  UNITED  STATES 

thinks,  was  killed.  These  men  took  refuge 
in  the  secret  vaults  of  the  bank,  known  by 
Nam-Sing  because  he  was  for  some  years 
employed  here.  Believing  that  all  was  quiet, 
they  were  trying  to  muster  up  courage  to 
escape  down  the  river." 

Phil  could  have  wept  with  disappointment. 
On  the  threshold  of  safety,  they  found  their 
escape  cut  off.  His  mind  sought  for  a  way  to 
overcome  the  difficulties.  Ignacio's  launch 
was  at  the  landing.  Why  could  they  not 
overpower  the  crew  and  escape  in  it  ?  But  he 
soon  saw  that  this  plan  would  be  worse  than 
foolhardy.  They  could  not  expect  to  pass 
the  alert  gunboat,  and  once  alongside,  the 
strategy  would  be  discovered.  But  what  else 
could  be  done  ?  A  junk  was  out  of  the 
question,  for  the  wind  was  contrary,  blowing 
up  the  river,  and  before  they  could  hope  to 
pass  the  forts,  daylight  would  reveal  them 
and  the  Chinese  guns  would  soon  make  them 
return  and  surrender  or  else  they  would  be 
sunk.  The  longer  the  Americans  remained 
on  shore  the  smaller  were  the  chances  for 
escape  ;  it  was  but  a  matter  of  time  before 
their  absence  from  the  yamen  would  be 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        211 

known.  While  the  lad  pondered  wildly  on  a 
method  of  escape  he  saw  the  Chinaman  Nam- 
Sing  attract  Langdon's  attention  and  then 
fairly  explode  in  a  volley  of  excited  words. 

"  He  says  that  one  of  the  launches  is  not  so 
badly  damaged,"  the  pilot  whispered  to  Phil. 
"  It's  a  steam  launch,  but  under  the  stern- 
boards  is  a  small  gasoline  engine,  and  he 
thinks  the  mob  did  not  destroy  that,  for  it  is 
hidden  from  view." 

"  Come  on ! "  Phil  exclaimed  eagerly. 
Then  he  cast  an  uncertain  look  at  the  cap- 
tive whom  Sydney  had  bound  hand  and  foot, 
securing  a  gag  in  his  mouth  and  muffling  his 
ears  so  that  he  could  hear  only  the  loudest 
tones. 

"  We  must  leave  him  behind,"  Langdon  in- 
sisted immediately,  interpreting  the  glance. 
"  He  must  take  his  chances." 

"  I  don't  dare  leave  him  there,"  Phil  ex- 
claimed. "He  might  be  killed  by  the 
Chinese.  No,  the  consequences  would  be  too 
serious." 

"  Then  what  are  we  to  do?  "  the  pilot  asked 
impatiently.  "  He  would  as  soon  stick  a 
knife  in  you  if  you  were  in  his  power." 


212  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  I  know,"  Phil  declared  stoutly,  "  but  I 
am  going  to  get  him  on  board  his  own  ship." 

"  But  how  on  earth  can  you  ?  "  Langdon 
exclaimed  in  disgust  at  Phil's  leniency.  If 
the  pilot  could  have  had  his  way  he  would 
have  wrung  his  neck  then  and  there,  which 
punishment  the  foreigner  doubtless  deserved. 

Phil  did  not  reply  immediately.  A  bold 
plan  had  flashed  through  his  mind,  and  he 
was  rapidly  revolving  it  in  his  thoughts  to 
discover  if  it  was  feasible. 

"  Tell  the  Chinese  to  carry  the  prisoner," 
he  said  finally,  his  mind  fully  made  up  to  at- 
tempt the  one  scheme  which  seemed  to  give 
the  foreign  commander  a  chance  for  his  life. 
If  he  left  him  in  the  foreign  concession  his 
life  would  not  be  worth  a  copper  cash  when 
the  robbers  from  the  city  came  back  to  com- 
plete their  ghoulish  work. 

Langdon  trusted  Phil's  judgment  too 
thoroughly  to  demur,  so  he  quietly  gave 
Nam-Sing  his  orders,  and  then  the  three 
Americans  started,  cautiously  leading  the 
way  down  the  alley  and  out  upon  the  street 
running  toward  the  river. 

Reaching  the  "  Bund,"  Nam-Sing  pointed 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        213 

out  the  direction  of  the  launch,  which  ap- 
peared to  be  their  last  chance  for  safety. 
Passing  the  waiting  launch  of  Commander 
Ignacio,  Phil  glanced  uneasily  at  the  sailors ; 
but  they  appeared  to  give  them  but  passing 
notice. 

The  midshipman  saw  Nam-Sing  step  aboard 
a  black  launch  some  hundred  yards  down  the 
"  Bund  "  from  where  their  prisoner's  launch 
was  lying.  Phil  directed  that  the  bound 
foreigner  be  laid  on  the  deck  forward,  then 
he  watched  impatiently  the  crew  of  the 
launch,  under  the  guidance  of  the  Chinese 
leading  man,  go  to  work  with  the  usual 
Oriental  industry.  The  lad  saw  at  a  glance 
that  the  engine  and  boiler  were  beyond  patch- 
ing; the  machinery  was  a  mass  of  twisted 
steel,  while  the  boiler  tubes  were  bent  and 
wrenched  from  their  sockets. 

Quickly  uncoupling  the  useless  engine  from 
the  propeller  shaft,  Nam-Sing  directed  the 
removal  of  the  boards  covering  from  view  the 
small  compact  gas  engine.  With  familiarity 
he  tested  out  the  spark  circuit  and  examined 
the  gear  wheels,  making  sure  all  was  right. 
After  a  delay  of  not  more  than  ten  minutes, 


214  A  UNITED  STATES 

although  it  seemed  much  more  to  the  ever-in- 
creasing anxiety  of  the  Americans,  the 
Chinaman  seized  the  crank  lever,  exerting  his 
power  to  start  the  engine.  The  machine 
wheezed  and  sputtered.  Again  and  again 
came  the  wheezing  cough  and  when  Phil  was 
about  to  give  up  hope,  it  coughed  volubly, 
then  the  smooth  chug  of  the  rapidly  rotating 
engine  struck  joyfully  on  his  ears. 

Langdon  took  his  place  at  the  wheel,  while 
Phil  motioned  that  all  lines  be  cast  off  from 
the  shore,  and  presently  the  launch  moved 
slowly  away  from  the  dock  out  into  the  swift 
current  of  the  river. 

"  Head  her  for  the  starboard  gangway  of 
the  '  Albaque/  "  Phil  ordered  in  a  calm  voice, 
although  his  pulses  were  throbbing  wildly. 

Langdon  fairly  jumped  with  surprise. 

"  Why,  man  alive  !  What  are  .  you  do- 
ing?" he  exclaimed. 

In  the  gloom  Phil  almost  smiled  as  he 
realized  how  odd  his  plan,  without  explana- 
tion, must  seem  to  his  companions. 

He  spoke  quietly,  his  manner  calm,  but 
decided. 

"  We  shall  find  a  small  boat  in  the  water 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         215 

made  fast  to  the  lower  swinging  boom  for- 
ward of  the  gangway.  When  we  get  along- 
side, I'll  go  on  board  and  give  a  message  from 
their  captain.  While  I'm  on  board  you  and 
Sydney  move  the  launch  ahead  sufficiently  to 
be  able  to  drop  the  prisoner  over  the  bow 
into  the  boat.  Do  it  carefully  and  make 
no  noise.  He  is  securely  bound  and  will 
lie  there  until  the  morning.  By  that  time 
we  shall,  I  hope,  be  safely  out  of  his 
reach." 

Langdon  and  Sydney  could  hardly  control 
an  expression  of  their  enthusiasm  at  the  con- 
ception of  such  a  daring  plan.  Its  very 
recklessness  with  Phil's  knack  of  mimicry 
would  carry  it  safely  through. 

A  gruff  hail  in  a  foreign  tongue  came 
startlingly  from  the  black  hull  of  the  gun- 
boat, which  the  launch  was  slowly  ap- 
proaching. 

Phil  waited  a  second  for  breath  and  then 
in  the  voice  of  the  Chinese  interpreter  called 
across  the  water  : 

"  On  the  service  of  the  viceroy." 

As  the  launch  stopped  at  the  gangway  of 
the  war-ship  Phil  boldly  ascended  the  ladder 


216  A  UNITED  STATES 

to  the  deck.  There  he  found  an  officer  await- 
ing him. 

"  Commander  Ignacio  has  sent  me  for  a 
copy  of  the  letter  written  by  him  yesterday 
to  the  viceroy.  This  letter  has  been  lost  in 
transit  and  he  wishes  to  give  his  Excellency 
the  copy." 

Phil  pronounced  his  words  slowly,  making 
his  accent  even  broader  than  that  used  by  the 
real  Ta-Ling. 

"  Will  you  wait  ?  "  the  officer  asked  politely. 
"  Commander  Ignacio  keeps  his  own  papers. 
I  shall  endeavor  to  find  it." 

Phil  bowed  his  willingness,  and  the  foreign 
officer  beckoning  the  quartermaster  to  follow 
with  his  lantern,  the  two  disappeared  within 
the  cabin. 

The  disguised  midshipman  saw  the  launch 
crawl  slowly  ahead,  and  a  moment  afterward 
his  straining  ear  caught  the  indistinct  sound 
of  a  body  being  lowered  into  the  whale-boat 
tied  at  the  boom  of  the  gunboat.  Then  as 
the  launch  drifted  almost  imperceptibly  back 
to  its  place  at  the  ladder,  the  gleam  of  the 
lantern  told  him  that  the  ship's  officers  were 
returning. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        217 

"  Here  is  a  package  of  letters  marked  for 
the  viceroy,"  the  officer  said  as  he  emerged 
from  the  cabin  ;  "  but  have  you  no  written 
message  from  my  captain?" 

Phil  feared  he  had  gone  too  far.  He 
would  like  to  hold  the  proofs  of  Commander 
Ignacio's  perfidy,  but  not  at  the  risk  of 
detection. 

"  No,  your  captain  gave  me  no  letter,"  he 
answered  carelessly ;  "  he  supposed  that  Ta- 
Ling,  the  viceroy's  secretary,  was  well  enough 
known  ;  I  am  Ta-Ling,  the  viceroy's  secretary  ; 
but  if  you  do  not  wish  to  trust  me  I  shall  return 
and  get  a  letter  from  him.  It  will,  however,  dis- 
please both  your  commander  and  the  viceroy." 

The  officer  gave  Phil  a  searching  look,  but 
apparently  seeing  nothing  suspicious  in  his 
appearance,  handed  him  the  package. 

Phil  was  about  to  descend  the  ladder,  when 
the  officer,  as  if  wishing  to  make  amends  for 
doubting  the  honesty  of  the  Chinaman, 
stopped  him  by  a  motion  of  the  hand. 

"  There's  a  Chinaman  on  board  who  came 
over  in  a  sanpan,  shortly  after  our  captain 
left  the  ship.  He  had  escaped  from  a  mob 
ashore  and  asked  our  protection." 


218  A  UNITED  STATES 

Phil  held  himself  well  in  hand,  fearing  by 
undue  interest  he  would  jeopardize  his  cause. 

"  Would  you  care  to  see  him  ?  "  the  officer 
continued. 

The  midshipman  nodded  indifferently. 

"  I  must  hurry,"  he  said  ;  "  my  viceroy  be- 
comes very  impatient  if  he  is  kept  waiting." 

An  order  was  given  to  a  sailor  standing 
near  and  Phil  saw  the  man  go  rapidly  for- 
ward. The  lad's  hopes  ran  high.  Was  it 
Emmons? 

A  moment  afterward  Emmons  was  brought 
aft  by  the  sailor  messenger.  The  lantern 
was  raised  above  the  sailor's  head,  shedding  its 
light  on  the  startled  face  of  the  half-breed. 
Phil  regarded  him  with  well-feigned  loathing. 

"  This  man  is  an  enemy  of  the  viceroy," 
Phil  declared,  in  well  simulated  anger.  "His 
escape  would  be  a  very  serious  matter.  I  can 
take  him  with  me  now  if  you  will  agree  to 
trust  him  in  my  hands." 

The  officer  did  not  exactly  relish  the  turn 
of  affairs.  If  he  had  made  a  mistake  in  de- 
livering his  captain's  letters  and  then  the 
fugitive  into  the  wrong  hands,  he  knew  he 
would  suffer  severely. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         219 

"  I  dare  not  do  that,"  he  said.  *"  By  my 
government's  regulations  asylum  must  be 
given  to  all  asking  protection.  To-morrow 
after  my  captain  returns  he  will,  if  he  sees  fit, 
deliver  him  to  the  viceroy.  I  shall  lock  him 
up  for  safety  and  you  can  be  sure  he  will  not 
escape." 

"But  I  have  been  searching  for  this  man," 
Phil  declared,  his  voice  now  really  earnest. 
He  must  get  Emmons  from  his  perilous 
position.  "  It  is  all-important  that  he  be 
taken  to  the  viceroy  to-night.  I  can  assure 
you  that  if  your  captain  were  here  he  would 
deliver  him  up  to  Ta-Ling." 

All  suspicion  had  disappeared  from  the 
officer's  mind  upon  hearing  this  earnest  appeal. 
After  all,  he  was  but  a  Chinaman,  and  he 
knew  his  captain  was  very  friendly  with  the 
viceroy  and  his  powerful  secretary  Ta-Ling. 

"All  right,"  he  said.  "I  will  take  your 
word  that  in  delivering  the  man  to  you  I 
shall  be  acting  as  my  captain  would  wish." 

"  He  should  be  bound,"  Phil  said  almost 
gleefully.  "  Can  you  get  me  a  rope  ?  " 

The  officer,  leaving  Phil's  side,  crossed  the 
deck  to  a  chest;  opening  it,  he  searched 


220  A  UNITED  STATES 

through  its  contents.  The  midshipman, 
greatly  fearing  an  outbreak  from  Emmons, 
stepped  cautiously  to  his  side  and  whispered 
for  him  to  make  no  outcry. 

"  I  knew  you  immediately,"  Emmons 
breathed. 

At  the  sound  of  muttering  voices,  the  officer 
looked  up  quickly  ;  the  light  of  the  lantern 
on  his  face  told  Phil  that  his  suspicions  had 
been  aroused.  Quicker  than  thought  the 
midshipman  drew  back  his  fist,  then  he  shot 
it  forward,  striking  with  force  the  startled 
half-breed  squarely  under  the  chin.  Emmons 
lay  where  he  fell,  moaning  audibly,  while  Phil 
quietly  explained  his  act  to  the  officer. 

"  He  had  the  temerity  to  revile  me,"  he 
said  ;  "but  give  me  the  rope.  We  should  be 
on  our  way  back  to  the  city." 

Emmons  was  quickly  bound,  hand  and  foot; 
then  Phil  bowed  ceremoniously  and,  lifting  the 
stunned  man  on  his  broad  shoulders,  walked 
steadily  down  the  ladder  and  into  the  launch, 
where  he  deposited  the  body  with  a  great  show 
of  force  for  the  benefit  of  those  above.  A  few 
seconds  later  the  launch  had  left  the  war-ship 
and  was  headed  down  the  river  as  if  she 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         221 

would  again  land  in  her  berth  at  the 
dock. 

As  soon  as  the  gunboat  had  disappeared  in 
the  darkness,  Phil  and  Sydney  cut  the  ropes 
binding  the  prisoner  and  raised  him  to  a  seat 
on  the  deck  house.  He  was  but  stunned  by 
the  blow  and  presently  opened  his  eyes,  gazing 
about  him  in  bewilderment. 

"  What  happened  ?  "  Emmons  asked,  recog- 
nizing in  the  thin  light  of  a  screened  lantern 
Phil's  anxious  face  bending  over  him.  The  lad 
quickly  explained  the  reason  for  his  ap- 
parently unfriendly  act. 

Emmons,  with  a  genuine  show  of  deep 
gratitude,  thanked  the  midshipman  for  his 
unlocked  for  deliverance;  then  he  plied  the 
lads  with  eager  questions,  and  Phil  gave  him 
the  unvarnished  history  of  the  night's  experi- 
ences ;  of  the  triumph  over  Ta-Ling,  and 
then  the  ruse  they  had  played  upon  Com- 
mander Ignacio  and  the  officer  on  board  the 
"  Albaque." 

"  I  have,  I  think,  papers  which  will  reveal 
all  that  villain's  secrets,"  he  ended,  patting 
the  papers  in  the  pocket  of  his  long  Chinese 
robe.  "  And  the  plan  of  the  secret  channel — 


222  A  UNITED  STATES 

I  have  that  safe  here  also,"  he  added.  "  We 
owe  a  great  deal  to  you." 

"  Yes,"  replied  Emmons,  "but  it  has  cost  me 
all  that  I  have  accumulated  in  ten  years  of 
business.  I  got  warning  this  afternoon  from 
the  Tartar  general  that  an  order  had  been 
signed  by  the  viceroy  for  my  execution.  I 
succeeded  in  hiding  in  an  abandoned  house  in 
the  foreign  concession  while  the  soldiers  of 
Ta-Ling  searched  for  me.  After  dark  I  tried 
to  find  Nam-Sing  and  the  launch  which  I  was 
holding  in  readiness  to  aid  your  escape,  but 
when  I  reached  the  docks  I  found  all  my 
launches  deserted,  and  their  machinery 
wrecked.  Knowing  that  I  could  not  remain 
another  day  ashore  without  capture,  I  secured 
a  sanpan  and  sculled  to  the  nearest  gunboat, 
believing  I  was  then  safe ;  but  it  seems 
that  I  had  put  myself  in  the  hands  of  an 
enemy." 

"  The  blood  of  every  foreigner  killed  should 
be  laid  to  Ignacio's  account,"  Phil  declared 
angrily;  "but  we  have  now  the  means  of  ex- 
posing his  treachery. 

"  Tell  us  about  the  mission,"  he  exclaimed 
anxiously.  "  Is  it  yet  unharmed  ?  " 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         223 

"  It  is  still  under  the  general's  protection/' 
Emmons  replied,  "  and  he  will  not  permit  an 
attack.  I  have  expected  every  day  to  hear 
that  the  soldiers  had  been  removed.  Ta- 
Ling's  outlaws  are  encamped  within  a  mile  of 
the  soldiers,  apparently  waiting  an  order 
from  their  leader." 

"  How  many  are  there  of  these  rebels  ? " 
Sydney  asked  in  alarm. 

"  I  have  not  seen  them,  but  my  men  tell  me 
there  are  thousands,"  Emmons  answered. 

"  There  must  be  some  reason  for  the  delay," 
Emmons  declared.  "  Have  you  read  the 
viceroy's  letter  to  your  captain  ? "  he  asked 
quickly.  "  Maybe  there  we  shall  find  the 
cause  of  it." 

With  trembling  fingers  Phil  drew  the  letter 
from  his  pocket  and  without  hesitation  broke 
the  formidable  looking  seal  of  the  viceroy. 
The  writing  was  in  English  and  the  penman- 
ship seemed  strangely  familiar. 

"  It's  the  same  writing  as  that  in  the  letter 
I  picked  up  in  the  bank  ! "  he  exclaimed  in 
surprise,  then  in  the  lantern's  dim  light  his 
eager  eyes  traveled  rapidly  over  the  words  be- 
fore him. 


224  A  UNITED  STATES 

Sydney  and  Emmons  waited  impatiently 
until  Phil  began  to  read  excitedly  : 

"  His  Excellency,  Chang-Li-Hun,  is  deeply 
grieved  at  the  lawless  actions  of  the  foreign 
gunboats,  which  have  banded  together  under 
the  leadership  of  the  American  commander  to 
defy  the  authority  of  the  laws  of  China. 
Commander  Ignacio  and  two  of  his  brother 
commanders  have  accepted  his  Excellency's 
leniency  and  after  voluntarily  offering  their 
apology  have  anchored  at  Ku-Ling.  To  show 
that  China  has  kept  faith,  his  Excellency  has 
caused  a  strong  guard  of  his  soldiers  to  en- 
camp on  the  hills  near  the  American  mission. 

"  If  by  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning  the 
foreign  gunboats  will  steam  to  Ku-Ling  flying 
white  flags  of  truce,  the  viceroy  will  still  give 
them  clemency.  The  viceroy  has  held  the 
hostages  to  show  his  displeasure  at  the  for- 
eigners for  entering  To-Yan  Lake,  waters 
forbidden  .them  by  the  government  of  China. 

"  His  Excellency  will  be  powerless  to  pro- 
tect either  the  hostages  or  the  mission  if  a 
single  hostile  shot  is  fired.  Enclosed  is  a 
telegram  for  the  American  commander." 

"  If  this  letter  and  the  telegram  had  gone  to 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        225 

Commander  Hughes,"  Phil  exclaimed  as  he 
folded  the  letter  and  returned  it  in  his  pocket, 
"  Ta-Ling  and  Ignacio  would  have  won. 
Without  the  strong  personality  of  our  captain 
the  allies  would  have  weakened  and  accepted 
the  terms  offered." 

"  Now  when  Ta-Ling  is  liberated,"  Sydney 
cried  alarmingly,  "  the  soldiers  will  be  re- 
moved and  the  rebels  allowed  to  attack  the 
mission."  Then  he  stopped  suddenly,  while 
a  lump  rose  in  his  throat.  "  Does  Ta-Ling 
suspect  the  secret  of  the  channel  is  ours  ?  " 
he  asked  fearfully. 

Emmons  shook  his  head  thoughtfully. 

"  The  chart  was  procured  by  Hang-Ki  from 
the  viceroy's  papers  through  bribing  a  lesser 
official,"  he  answered.  "Ta-Ling  may  have 
discovered  its  absence  and  suspected  that  I 
would  carry  it  to  your  captain.  That  would 
explain  his  sudden  desire  to  have  me  captured 
and  executed." 

"To-night  is  the  turning-point  in  this 
intrigue,"  Phil  exclaimed,  while  his  heart 
beat  faster  at  the  thought.  "  We  must  use 
this  channel  to-night,  and  after  we  have  run 
the  forts  and  anchored  in  safety  above  Ku- 


226  A  UNITED  STATES 

Ling,  we  must  start  at  once  to  the  rescue  of 
those  in  the  mission.  I  hope  Lieutenant 
Wilson  can  withstand  the  assault  until  aid 
arrives. 

"  Our  poor  sailors  in  the  yamen,"  he  added 
sorrowfully,  "  I  fear  are  no  better  than  dead 
men." 

"  You  are  right,"  Emmons  declared  in  no 
uncertain  voice.  "  To-morrow  Ta-Ling  will 
cause  the  high  reed  grass  on  the  island  to  be 
set  on  fire.  It  is  dry  and  will  burn  like 
tinder.  Then  the  island  will  offer  no  protec- 
tion, the  search-light  on  the  fort  will  disclose 
the  presence  of  the  gunboats  and  the  secret 
channel  is  well  within  the  range  of  the  fort 
guns." 

While  the  midshipmen  were  absorbed  in 
their  conversation  with  the  half-breed,  the 
launch,  under  the  skilful  guidance  of  the 
pilot,  steamed  rapidly  down  the  swift  current 
of  the  river.  The  junks  moored  at  the  docks 
flashed  by  unheeded.  The  high  frowning 
cliffs,  on  top  of  which  were  the  gun  emplace- 
ments, appeared  dimly  from  the  darkness 
ahead.  Then  the  launch's  bow  was  turned 
sharply  to  port,  steering  across  the  river,  to 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         227 

put  as  great  a  distance  as  possible  between  it 
and  the  menacing  batteries. 

The  midshipmen  and  Emrnons  had  now 
joined  Langdon  at  his  post  at  the  wheel. 

"  To-night  Hang-Ki  has  relieved  many  of 
the  lookouts  in  the  forts,"  Emmons  whispered, 
"  and  if  we  can  keep  close  under  the  shadow 
of  the  island  we  may  pass  undiscovered." 

Phil  was  in  a  fever  of  anxiety.  He  glanced 
fearfully  at  the  frowning  forts,  looming  op- 
pressively close  in  the  darkness  to  starboard. 
The  island  on  the  other  side  of  which  was  the 
secret  channel  slowly  took  shape,  and  as  the 
launch  approached  became  ever  more  distinct. 
Now  he  imagined  he  could  see  the  tops  of  the 
high  reeds,  tall  enough  to  conceal  the  hull  of 
a  gunboat,  waving  menacingly  in  the  fitful 
breeze,  and  in  the  stillness,  broken  only  by 
the  muffled  chug  of  the  gas  engine,  he  could 
now  hear  the  dry  rustle  telling  him  only  too 
plainly  that  this  rank  vegetation  was  ripe  for 
Ta-Ling's  torch. 

The  night  was  dark  and  cloudy,  and  the 
deeper  gloom  of  the  island  toward  which 
Langdon  was  steering  would  make  it  almost 
impossible  to  locate  the  small  launch. 


228  A  UNITED  STATES 

Even  under  the  trying  circumstances,  ex- 
pecting momentarily  to  hear  the  loud  dis- 
charge of  hostile  cannon,  Phil's  mind  dwelt 
anxiously  on  the  possibilities  before  the  com- 
ing day.  Fully  realizing  that  the  lives  of 
those  in  the  mission  depended  upon  the 
ability  of  the  allies  to  pass  the  forts  before 
morning,  would  they  find  the  fleet  prepared 
to  start  immediately  ?  Without  mishaps  two 
hours  must  elapse  before  the  launch  could 
reach  Lien-Chow,  and  then  scarcely  five 
hours  of  the  night  would  remain. 

With  all  lights  save  that  at  the  compass 
carefully  screened,  the  launch  sped  quietly 
onward.  The  forts  had  faded  slowly  into  the 
darkness  as  the  island  shore  had  been  ap- 
proached. Langdon  spun  his  wheel  from 
side  to  side  seeking  the  deepest  channel, 
while  a  Chinaman  with  a  long  bamboo  pole 
measured  the  depth  of  the  water  continuously, 
calling  out  in  a  sing-song  whisper  his  sound- 
ings. 

"Go  on  this  side  of  the  island,"  Phil 
ordered,  hastily  measuring  with  his  eye  the 
distance  by  the  chart.  "Time's  precious. 
We  must  run  the  risk." 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         229 

"  Aye,  aye,"  the  pilot  answered  quickly, 
bringing  the  bow  of  the  launch  smartly  about 
to  parallel  the  island  shore.  "  They  can't  hit 
us  anyway,"  he  added  contemptuously. 

Minute  after  minute  dragged  by.  The 
Americans  were  on  the  point  of  congratulat- 
ing themselves  upon  having  passed  the  forts 
in  safety,  when  a  flash  of  flame  sprang  from 
the  darkness  of  the  hill  forts  and  the  screech 
of  a  shell  sounded  menacingly  in  their  ears. 

With  the  anxiety  of  one  who  is  being  fired 
upon  without  the  opportunity  to  return  the 
fire,  those  on  the  launch  stuck  manfully  at 
their  posts.  Sydney's  blood  raced  rapidly 
through  his  veins,  and  his  hopes  seemed  on 
the  point  of  being  cast  to  the  very  depths  of 
despair. 

Flash  followed  flash  on  the  fortifications 
and  the  reverberations  of  the  heavy  artillery 
shook  the  valley.  It  seemed  to  the  midship- 
men that  hundreds  of  guns  must  be  hurling 
tons  of  steel  at  their  small  inoffensive  black 
launch  as  it  bravely  steamed  down  the  river. 

With  intense  excitement  and  fearful  dread 
as  to  the  outcome,  all  gazed  fascinated  upon 
the  myriads  of  flashes  of  flame  from  the 


230  A  UNITED  STATES 

forts.  The  moans  and  screeches  of  the  shells 
were  loud  in  their  ears  while  the  steel  bolts 
lashed  the  water  to  foam  about  them. 

Suddenly  a  bright  shaft  of  light  bored 
through  the  night  and  then  swung  spasmodic- 
ally over  the  water.  Fearfully  the  midship- 
men watched  the  search-light  ray  in  its  at- 
tempt to  concentrate  upon  the  rapidly  moving 
launch.  When  once  they  were  held  in  its 
beam,  they  would  furnish  as  clear  a  target  for 
their  enemy's  guns  as  if  it  were  day. 

As  Phil  watched,  fascinated,  the  wavering 
light,  it  stopped  uncertainly  short  of  the 
launch  but  truly  in  line,  then  the  light  raised 
suddenly  and  the  lad  was  fairly  blinded  by 
the  bright  flash  as  it  clung  tenaciously  to  the 
discovered  hull.  The  fort  guns  now  renewed 
their  vociferous  cannonade  and  the  screech  of 
shells  was  sufficient  to  unnerve  the  stoutest 
heart. 

"  One  hit  and  we'll  be  counted  out,"  Phil 
exclaimed  wildly,  clutching  Sydney  in  his 
excitement,  as  he  dodged  involuntarily  the 
hot  breath  of  the  speeding  projectiles. 

"  Take  that  sounding  pole ! "  Langdon 
shouted  hoarsely,  as  the  terrified  Chinaman 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         231 

dropped  it  on  deck  and  dived  for  safety  below 
decks. 

Sydney  quickly  grasped  the  pole  as  it  clat- 
tered from  the  man's  hand,  and  plunged  it 
over  the  side.  It  struck  bottom,  showing  the 
water  had  suddenly  become  dangerously  shal- 
low. 

"  Keep  her  off,"  he  cried  loudly,  above  the 
roar  of  the  hissing  shells. 

Blinded  by  the  bright  glare  of  the  search- 
light, Langdon  had  nearly  run  the  launch 
ashore  on  the  island,  but  by  quick  action,  he 
now  threw  the  bow  out  into  the  river.  A 
low  grating  sound  made  Phil's  heart  stop 
beating,  but  the  next  second  the  launch 
darted  clear  of  the  treacherous  shoal.  Then 
to  the  joy  of  the  anxious  men  the  search-light 
beam  died  suddenly  away. 

The  fire  from  the  forts  immediately  slack- 
ened, and  in  a  few  seconds  had  ceased  alto- 
gether. An  occasional  boom  and  the  screech 
of  a  passing  shell,  however,  showed  the  Ameri- 
cans that  the  enemy  was  waiting  impatiently 
to  begin  its  fusillade  as  soon  as  the  now  ex- 
tinguished search-light  could  again  pick  up 
the  helpless  target. 


232  A  UNITED  STATES 

A  startled  cry  from  Emmons  drew  the 
Americans'  attention.  Looking  anxiously  in 
the  direction  indicated  by  the  half-breed, 
Phil  saw  the  white  and  colored  lights  of  a 
steamer  standing  up  the  river,  in  the  middle 
of  the  main  channel.  Those  in  the  forts 
seemed  also  to  have  made  the  discovery. 
The  entire  crest  of  the  hill  forts  burst  into 
sudden  flame  and  the  distant  screech  of  shell 
told  the  lad  that  this  time  the  launch  was 
not  the  target. 

"  What  can  it  be?  "  he  exclaimed  in  a  fever 
of  excitement.  "  The  allies  know  better  than 
to  carry  lights.  It  must  be  a  stranger." 

Then  as  he  gazed  spellbound  upon  the 
spectacle  before  him,  the  search-light  of  the 
fort  once  more  cut  its  narrow  path  of  flame 
through  the  inky  blackness.  It  swept 
spasmodically  over  the  intruder  and  then  to 
the  Americans'  delighted  eyes  was  revealed 
the  outline  of  a  monitor,  the  light  of  the 
search-light  beam  reflected  brightly  from  her 
glistening,  pointed  hull. 

"The 'Monterey'!"  Phil  cried,  joyfully  hug- 
ging Sydney.  "  And  Jack  O'Neil  is  on  board 
her."  But  a  second  later  his  joy  was  changed 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         233 

to  apprehension.  Would  the  monitor  appre- 
ciate the  situation  and  be  prepared  to  return 
this  fire?  A  fear  took  possession  of  his 
thoughts  that  the  sailors,  not  knowing  of  the 
existence  of  hostilities,  might  have  been 
standing  unprotected  upon  the  deck  and  be- 
fore they  could  have  sought  the  shelter  of 
armor  many  might  have  already  been  killed 
by  the  shells  of  the  enemy. 


CHAPTER  XVI 

REINFORCEMENTS 

All  eyes  were  now  intent  on  the  American 
war-ship.  The  guns  in  the  forts  had  become 
silent,  as  if  startled  at  the  sudden  appearance 
of  an  enemy  worthy  of  their  metal.  The 
monitor,  apparently  unconscious  of  the  dan- 
ger into  which  it  had  run,  steamed  proudly 
onward.  The  search-light  of  the  fort  lighted 
up  every  detail  of  the  formidable  vessel ;  the 
heavy  turret  guns  were  lowered,  pointing  in- 
offensively away  from  the  inquisitive  search- 
light. 

"They  won't  dare  fire  again  at  her!"  Syd- 
ney exclaimed.  "  See,  she  has  shown  her 
colors !  " 

As  the  midshipman  spoke  a  large  Ameri- 
can flag  rose  proudly  aloft  to  the  truck  of  the 
"  Monterey,"  where  it  fluttered  defiantly,  as  if 
to  say  :  "  Now  if  you  fire,  knowing  who  I  am, 
you  declare  war  on  the  country  which  I  rep- 
resent." 

234 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         235 

Then  the  Chinese  threw  down  the  gauntlet ; 
a  flash  of  flame  darted  from  the  dark  fort, 
licking  the  heels  of  a  great  shell,  and  a  high 
splash  of  foam  sprang  up  in  the  glare  of  the 
search-light  not  more  than  a  half  hundred 
yards  from  the  bow  of  the  silent  monitor. 

Again,  like  huge  fireflies  on  a  summer 
night,  the  hill  forts  flashed  fire,  while  still 
the  monitor  steamed  boldly  onward,  closer 
and  closer  to  the  hostile  guns. 

"  Why  doesn't  she  return  it  ?  "  Sydney  ex- 
claimed excitedly.  "  A  few  shots  from  her 
guns  will  startle  the  soldiers  in  those  forts." 

As  the  lads  watched  the  one-sided  contest, 
two  shafts  of  light  darted  from  the  monitor ; 
the  search-light  from  the  fort  from  its  size 
and  greater  illuminating  power  concealed  the 
commencement  of  the  war-ship's  less  powerful 
lights,  but  upon  the  forts  two  round  white 
spots  traveled  slowly  along,  and  where  they 
rested  the  midshipmen  could  see  distinctly 
the  gun  emplacements  and  the  great  gun 
tubes  protruding  from  the  protecting  rock 
and  earth. 

In  a  terrible  suspense  those  on  the  launch 
held  their  breath,  while  the  heavy  turrets, 


236  A  UNITED  STATES 

plainly  visible  in  the  light  from  the  forts, 
swung  around  slowly  ;  then  the  gun  muzzles 
were  raised  and  pointed  steadily  at  the  two 
white  spots,  the  end  of  the  search-light  rays. 
After  a  terrible  suspense,  two  great  tongues 
of  flame  leaped  far  out  over  the  river  and  a 
dull  boom  shook  the  air. 

"  Fine  shots  !  "  Phil  exclaimed  joyfully  as 
he  saw  the  earth  on  two  of  the  emplacements 
rise  in  the  air  as  if  a  magazine  had  exploded 
underneath  it. 

Again  the  monitor  spoke  angrily  with  her 
great  twelve-inch  guns,  and  again  within  the 
illumination  the  eager  watchers  saw  masses 
of  earth  fly  high  in  the  air  as  the  half  ton 
shells  exploded  on  the  very  parapets  of  the 
Chinese  forts. 

"  She's  turning  !  "  Sydney  exclaimed. 

Sure  enough,  the  "  Monterey  "  was  swinging 
her  bow  away  from  the  enemy.  Not  under- 
standing the  meaning  of  this  treatment,  the 
war-ship  was  circling  to  return  down  the 
river,  out  of  range  of  the  formidable  forts. 

The  search-light  of  the  fort  held  steadily 
upon  the  retreating  war-ship,  but  those  of  the 
"Monterey"  had  been  extinguished.  The 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         237 

fort  guns,  for  the  time  silenced  by  the  straight 
shooting  of  their  enemy,  now  reopened  with 
renewed  energy.  But  the  monitor,  as  if  un- 
conscious of  the  rain  of  shell  about  her, 
turned  in  silence,  her  flag  waving  proudly  at 
the  mast-head,  and  started  down  river. 

"  Head  over  for  her !  "  Phil  ordered. 

With  relief  and  satisfaction,  the  Americans 
saw  that  now  after  the  monitor  had  turned, 
the  Chinese  gunners  were  shooting  wildly. 
All  the  shots  were  falling  aimlessly  short  of 
the  retreating  war-ship.  But  still  the  search- 
light ray  clung  tenaciously,  as  if  it  feared  the 
monitor  once  out  of  the  vision  of  its  bright 
eye  would  take  wings  and  fly  away. 

Suddenly  from  the  monitor's  after  turret 
belched  forth  a  single  flash.  Those  on  the 
launch  watched  in  excited  admiration  to  see 
the  burst  of  flame  on  the  ramparts  of  the 
fort,  but  instead,  high  above  the  guns,  above 
even  the  search-light  mounted  at  the  very  top 
of  the  hill,  a  jet  of  flame,  a  living  ball  of  fire, 
cleft  the  darkness  ;  a  second  later  and  the 
monitor  had  faded  from  sight. 

"  Shrapnel,"  Phil  exclaimed  intensely,  as 
the  sound  of  the  explosion  reached  his  ears ; 


238  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  that  search-light  is  out  of  business  for  the 
present."  Then  he  realized  that  the  launch 
and  the  "  Monterey  "  were  rapidly  approach- 
ing each  other  on  converging  courses. 

"  Light  the  side  lights,"  he  cried  to 
Emmons,  at  his  side,  spellbound  and  silent. 
"  We  can't  take  the  risk  of  having  her  shoot 
at  us.  She  might  hit  us." 

Emmons  obeyed  the  order  by  giving  a  few 
harsh  commands  to  his  reassured  Chinese 
boatmen  and  soon  the  red  and  green  lights 
were  burning  on  the  launch's  sides.  The 
forts  were  now  silent,  their  target  having 
dissolved  into  the  night,  but  Langdon  had 
taken  her  bearing  and  the  launch's  bow  was 
held  in  the  direction  which  he  knew  would 
bring  them  close  to  the  monitor. 

After  many  long  minutes  of  anxious  search 
a  dark  smudge  appeared  almost  directly  in 
the  path  of  the  launch.  Then  suddenly  a 
flash  sprang  from  the  dark  smudge,  and  a 
shell  shrieked  across  the  bow  of  the  approach- 
ing boat. 

"Stop  her!"  Phil  cried  in  alarm,  while  he 
ran  quickly  forward.  Standing  at  the  bow 
of  the  launch,  he  cleared  his  voice  and  raised 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         239 

his  hands  to  his  mouth,  ready  to  answer  the 
hail  from  the  war-ship. 

"  Boat  ahoy  !  "  came  distinctly  across  the 
water.  "  Stop  where  you  are,  or  we'll  sink 
you." 

"  Aye,  aye,  sir,"  Phil  hailed  back.  "We're 
friends — American  naval  officers." 

"  All  right,  don't  come  any  closer  and 
we'll  send  a  boat,"  came  the  answer  in  clear, 
decided  tones. 

Those  on  the  launch  noted  the  creak  of 
blocks  as  a  boat  shot  down  from  its  davits 
into  the  water,  and  a  few  minutes  afterward 
they  heard  the  regular  dip  of  the  oars  and 
their  rhythmical  thud  in  their  sockets. 
Then  a  long,  slim  whale-boat,  propelled  by 
six  stalwart  sailors,  shot  out  of  the  gloom 
and  came  quietly  alongside  the  motionless 
launch. 

An  officer  scrambled  nimbly  on  board. 

"  What's  the  meaning  of  this?  "  he  exclaimed 
in  astonishment.  For  in  the  ray  of  the 
solitary  lantern  held  in  the  hands  of  a 
Chinese  boatman,  he  saw  that  he  was  in  the 
presence  of  Chinamen.  He  stopped  pre- 
cipitously, sliding  his  hand  cautiously  to  his 


:4o  A  UNITED  STATES 

revolver  holster  while  he  eyed  suspiciously 
the  men  before  him. 

Phil  was  about  to  answer  the  officer's 
question,  never  realizing  the  cause  of  the 
speaker's  abrupt  silence,  when  his  eye  caught 
sight  of  a  familiar  face  peering  in  over  the 
launch's  rail.  Forgetful  of  all  else,  the  lad 
hastened  excitedly  forward.  Reaching  down 
he  grasped  the  owner  of  the  face  in  a  strong 
grip. 

"O'Neill  "he  exclaimed  delightedly.  "Well, 
if  this  isn't  luck  !" 

While  Sydney  in  his  turn  shook  hands 
warmly  with  their  old  friend  the  boatswain's 
mate,  who  had  served  with  them  through  many 
a  difficult  position  during  a  South  American 
revolution,  when  they  were  together  on  the 
battle-ship  "  Connecticut,"  Phil  explained  the 
situation  to  the  mystified  officer. 

The  lad  for  the  moment  had  not  fully  ap- 
preciated the  dumbfounded  astonishment  of 
the  naval  man,  Lieutenant  Washburn  of  the 
"  Monterey,"  upon  finding  himself  among 
Chinamen,  after  he  had  heard  the  answer 
from  the  "  Monterey's  "  hail  that  American 
naval  officers  were  on  board  the  launch. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         241 

"  We've  just  escaped  from  prison,"  Phil  ex- 
plained, "  and  your  ship  arrived  in  time  to 
save  us  from  those  guns.  Their  shots  were 
beginning  to  come  pretty  near,  I  can  tell  you." 

"  Escaped  from  prison,"  Lieutenant  Wash- 
burn  exclaimed,  still  mystified.  "  Where 
then  is  the  '  Phoenix '  ?  She  hasn't  been 
sunk,  I  hope,"  he  added  hastily  in  sudden 
alarm. 

Phil  quickly  set  his  mind  at  rest  on  that 
point.  "  She's  at  Lien-Chow,  in  the  To-Yan 
Lake,  and  we  are  on  our  way  there  now. 

"  Commander  Hughes  will  be  mighty  re- 
lieved to  see  the  '  Monterey  ' !  "  he  exclaimed 
joyfully.  "  With  her  the  forts  have  no  perils 
— she  can  run  by  whenever  she  wishes." 

"  I  am  sorry  for  him,"  Lieutenant  Wash- 
burn  answered,  his  voice  betraying  a  note  of 
bitterness,  "  for  I  am  a  great  admirer  of  your 
captain.  He's  the  kind  of  man  we  need  in 
command  of  our  ships.  There's  a  rumor 
afloat  that  he's  in  disgrace  and  will  be  put 
under  arrest.  I  hope  it's  not  true,  but  the 
rumor  was  persistent  in  the  fleet  when  we 
left.  If  it's  true  I  suppose  our  captain  has 
the  order." 


242  A  UNITED  STATES 

Phil  pretended  to  be  greatly  surprised  and 
unconsciously  raised  his  hand  to  make  sure 
the  telegram  was  safe  in  his  pocket. 

"  The  '  Monadnock  '  is  on  her  way  up  the 
river.  She's  slower  than  we  are,  and  as  our 
captain  is  senior  he  pressed  ahead. 

"  Nice  surprise  they  gave  us,"  he  added 
laughingly,  pointing  to  the  now  quiet  forts. 
"  We  thought  they  were  only  having  target 
practice  and  supposed  of  course  they'd 
stop  to  let  us  pass.  But  when  they  opened 
on  us,  although  our  captain  had  sounded 
to  '  general  quarters '  as  a  precaution,  you 
could  have  knocked  us  all  down  with  a 
feather." 

"  I  am  happy  to  say  their  target  practice 
upon  us  was  not  good,"  Phil  returned  in  high 
humor ;  "  but  if  you'll  excuse  me,  I'll  shed 
these  gay  clothes.  Mine  are  pretty  seedy 
after  three  days  in  a  Chinese  prison,  but  I'd 
appear  to  better  advantage  when  we  go  aboard 
the  '  Monterey.' " 

The  war-ship,  by  signal-lights,  informed  her 
lieutenant  that  she  was  about  to  anchor, 
directing  the  launch  to  follow  and  then  come 
alongside. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         243 

Before  the  rattle  of  chain  announced  that 
the  anchor  was  holding  the  steel  fortress 
stationary  against  the  swift  current,  the  mid- 
shipmen recited  to  Lieutenant  Washburn  the 
story  of  their  adventures.  O'Neil  listened 
eagerly,  grunting  with  glee  when  they  told  of 
the  triumph  over  Ta-Ling  and  Commander 
Ignacio. 

After  a  short  delay  the  launch  was  steered 
alongside  the  anchored  war-ship,  and  the 
Americans,  now  in  their  own  clothes,  quickly 
scrambled  over  the  low  side. 

Commander  Barnes,  the  monitor's  captain, 
ranking  junior  to  Commander  Hughes,  im- 
mediately summoned  the  midshipmen  and 
Langdon  to  his  cabin. 

Phil  as  spokesman  gave  the  surprised  cap- 
tain a  detailed  account  of  the  happenings 
since  the  attempt  to  blow  in  the  gates  of  the 
American  mission.  Commander  Barnes'  eyes 
opened  wider  and  wider  in  astonishment  as 
the  lad  proceeded. 

"  It's  all  very  terrible,"  he  exclaimed  after 
Phil  had  finished.  "  The  admiral  knows 
nothing  of  this.  Why  has  not  Hughes  wired 
the  situation  ?  " 


244  A  UNITED  STATES 

"He  has  sent  telegrams,"  Phil  declared, 
"  but  the  viceroy  will  not  forward  them." 

"That's  strange,"  the  captain  said  in  a 
low  voice.  "  The  admiral  led  me  to  suppose 
that  I  would  be  in  command  of  the  three 
ships,  and  that  Hughes  would  be  relieved  of 
his  command.  Yet  I  have  no  orders  to  that 
effect." 

Phil  trembled  with  joy  at  overhearing  these 
words,  not  intended  for  his  ears.  The  "  Mon- 
terey "  brought  no  orders.  He  held  the  only 
order  in  his  pocket,  and  the  fatal  telegram 
would  remain  there  until  Commander  Hughes 
had  won  his  fight  and  relieved  the  situation. 

But  time  was  pressing.  The  fleet  must  run 
the  batteries  to-night.  The  arrival  of  the 
monitors  would  make  the  passage  of  the  secret 
channel  even  more  secure  by  hotly  engaging 
the  forts  if  necessary.  In  order  to  make  suc- 
cess sure  the  midshipman  knew  that  they 
should  proceed  at  once  upon  the  remainder  of 
their  journey. 


CHAPTER  XVII 

ABOARD    THE    "  PHCENIX  " 

COMMANDER  BARNES  consulted  his  watch 
and  then  called  for  his  orderly.  The  ring  of 
the  bell  had  scarcely  sounded  before  a  marine 
stood  obediently  before  him. 

"  It's  eleven  now,"  the  captain  mused,  then, 
turning  to  the  orderly  : 

"  My  compliments  to  the  executive  officer. 
Tell  him  to  secure  and  pipe  down.  We  shall 
remain  here  for  the  present." 

Forgetting  in  his  anxiety  the  vast  gulf  in 
rank  between  them,  Phil  raised  his  hand  im- 
patiently. 

"  Captain  !  "  he  exclaimed,  intensely  in 
earnest.  "  We  must  go  to  Commander 
Hughes  immediately.  The  mission  must 
be  relieved  to-night.  It  is  probably  now  sur- 
rounded by  the  outlaws.  To-morrow  the  diffi- 
culties will  increase.  The  secret  channel  may 
be  impossible,  besides  there  are  four  American 
245 


246  A  UNITED  STATES 

sailors  in  prison  in  the  yamen.  By  to-mor- 
row they  will  have  been  executed." 

Over  Commander  Barnes'  face  flitted  for  a 
second  the  suspicion  of  a  frown,  while  the 
orderly  waited  with  indecision  in  his  manner. 

"  By  the  morning  we  shall  have  two  moni- 
tors," the  captain  answered  ;  "  I  think  we  can 
rely  on  their  guns  to  escort  the  fleet  past  the 
forts  without  harm.  However,  you  may  go 
on  your  launch  and  give  your  news  to  Com- 
mander Hughes.  I  have  orders  forbidding 
me  to  enter  To-Yan  Lake. 

"  I  do  not  see  how  the  allied  fleet  can  pos- 
sibly embark  its  sailors  and  be  here  before 
daylight,"  he  added,  after  a  few  moments' 
thought,  "  so  I  see  no  reason  to  keep  my  offi- 
cers and  men  up  all  night  in  waiting." 

"  Commander  Plughes  will  be  here  inside 
of  three  hours,"  Phil  urgently  exclaimed. 
"  I  am  sure,  sir,  that  he  will  not  lose  a  mo- 
ment. He  does  not  wish  to  risk  fighting  the 
forts.  If  he  can  bring  Ku-Ling  under  his 
guns  without  a  fight,  he  will  win  his  point 
and  save  the  foreigners. 

"  If  I  may  suggest,  sir,"  the  midshipman 
added  in  a  respectful  voice,  "it  would  be  best 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         247 

to  keep  all  ready  to  get  under  way.  It  is  but 
ten  miles  to  the  allied  fleet.  We  shall  be 
there  in  an  hour  and  in  two  more  the  gun- 
boats will  be  here  on  their  way  to  enter  this 
secret  channel." 

Commander  Barnes  smiled  indulgently  at 
the  lad's  earnestness  as  he  waved  a  dismissal 
to  the  orderly. 

"  Tell  the  executive  officer,"  he  said,  "  to  be 
ready  to  get  under  way  in  three  hours  and 
notify  the  officer  of  the  deck  to  keep  a  sharp 
lookout  for  the  '  Monadnock.'  Signal  her 
when  sighted  to  anchor  near  us. 

"  Your  captain  has  a  convincing  advocate 
in  you,  Mr.  Perry,"  he  continued,  after  the 
orderly  had  departed  with  his  message.  "  I 
shall  wait  his  coming  and  be  ready  to  join  him." 

Phil  was  elated  with  the  success  of  his  ap- 
peal, and  in  a  short  time  he  had  gathered  his 
party  together  ready  to  again  embark  in  Em- 
mons'  launch. 

Before  leaving  the  captain's  cabin  the  mid- 
shipmen had  asked  that  boatswain's  mate 
O'Neil  be  allowed  to  go,  to  steer  the  launch, 
which  request  Commander  Barnes  readily 
granted. 


248  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  The  telegram  is  the  only  order  relieving 
our  captain  of  his  command,"  Phil  exclaimed 
to  Sydney  while  the  launch  sped  toward  the 
distant  lights  of  the  allied  fleet.  "  What 
would  happen  if  I  gave  him  the  cable?"  he 
asked  quickly. 

"  He  would  have  but  to  obey  it,"  Syd- 
ney answered.  "  It's  a  direct  order  from 
the  navy  department.  Commander  Barnes 
as  senior  officer  of  the  American  ships 
would  be  bound  to  send  a  flag  of  truce  and 
offer  his  apologies  for  Commander  Hughes' 
actions." 

"  And  that  would  mean  a  victory  for  the 
viceroy  and  Ta-Ling  !  "  Phil  exclaimed.  "  If 
I  lose  my  commission  for  it  that  telegram  is 
going  to  remain  secret  until  the  allied  fleet 
have  exacted  an  humble  apology  and  restitu- 
tion from  those  guilty  of  wishing  to  murder 
innocent  foreigners." 

In  the  light  of  a  solitary  lantern  Phil 
opened  the  envelope  and  glanced  excitedly 
over  their  enemy's  correspondence  with  the 
viceroy.  It  was  in  English  and  written  in  a 
clear  and  legible  hand. 

Paper  after  paper  was  read  in  silence  by 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         249 

the  two  midshipmen,  revealing  the  most  bare- 
faced treachery. 

"  Do  you  remember  that  day  at  the  bank  ?  " 
Phil  exclaimed  suddenly  after  he  had  finished 
reading  a  letter  which  he  held  open  before 
him,  his  face  in  the  thin  light  betraying 
intense  wrath  and  indignation.  "  I  have 
wondered  so  often  over  that  incident.  I  have 
never  until  now  been  able  to  discover  why 
Ignacio  was  so  angry  at  me  for  picking  up 
his  letter  from  the  ground.  Do  you  re- 
member how  he  snatched  it  from  my  hand  ? 
I  thought  he  would  strike  me.  Well,  that  in- 
nocent sheet  of  paper  was  a  letter  from  Ta- 
Ling.  If  I  could  have  held  it  another  minute 
much  of  our  trouble  would  never  have  oc- 
curred. This  is  Ignacio's  answer  : 

"  '  I  will  do  all  in  my  power  to  thwart  the 
aim  of  these  Americans.  I  despise  them  as 
much  as  you  do.  I  have  just  drawn  on  the 
company  which  I  represent  for  the  sum  you 
named,  and  it  will  be  deposited  in  the  bank 
at  Shanghai.  When  you  have  obtained  the 
viceroy's  signature,  giving  my  company  the 
railroad  rights  from  here  to  Peking,  I  shall 
at  once  transfer  this  sum  to  your  credit. 


250  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  '  Your  letter  was  picked  up  from  the  bank 
floor,  where  I  had  carelessly  dropped  it,  by  a 
young  American  officer.  I  do  not  think  he 
had  enough  knowledge  or  time  to  divine  its 
meaning.'  " 

The  two  midshipmen  looked  sheepishly  at 
each  other  for  a  second  and  then  both  laughed. 

"We  are  innocents,  aren't  we,  Phil? "Syd- 
ney laughed.  "  Now  it's  all  clear.  Ignacio 
attempted  to  throw  the  allies  into  a  panic  at 
Lien-Chow.  He  worked  himself  into  being 
selected  as  the  senior  officer  for  the  flag  of 
truce,  and  he  concealed  his  eagerness  so 
cleverly  that  we  thought  he  was  afraid. 
Then  he  played  his  game  beautifully  before 
the  viceroy.  But  by  to-morrow  morning 
Ignacio's  dreams  will  be  smashed.  Ku-Ling 
will  awake  to  find  the  fleet  at  anchor  with  its 
guns  trained  on  the  viceroy's  palace." 

"  What's  this  new  mischief  you're  hatch- 
ing?" inquired  Langdon,  approaching  the 
midshipmen,  after  having  conned  the  launch 
over  the  treacherous  shoals  at  the  entrance  to 
the  lake.  "  We'll  be  at  the  fleet  in  a  short 
time  now,"  he  added,  pointing  to  the  lights 
fast  appearing  ahead. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         251 

Phil  arose,  throwing  a  swift  glance  at  the 
lights  of  the  gunboats,  growing  ever  brighter 
as  the  launch  sped  swiftly  onward.  Then  he 
returned  to  his  seat  on  the  deck  house  and 
told  the  pilot  of  the  discovery. 

"  Why  did  you  never  tell  me  of  this  meet- 
ing with  Ignacio  in  the  bank?"  Langdon 
asked,  in  a  hurt  voice.  "  I  might  have  put 
two  and  two  together  and  saved  us  a  great 
deal  of  trouble." 

"  Oh  !  pipe  down,  Joe  Langdon  !  "  Phil 
exclaimed,  in  good  humor.  "  You  wouldn't 
have  found  it  out  any  sooner  than  we  did. 
It's  all  plain  enough  now  after  you  know." 

"  I  can't  help  worrying  about  our  four 
sailors,"  Sydney  said  sadly,  and  immediately 
the  mirth  died  on  Phil's  face.  "  After  Ta-Ling 
is  released,  he  will  be  mad  enough  to  have  them 
summarily  executed." 

His  companions  made  no  reply.  Each 
felt  that  the  chances  for  the  four  captive 
Americans  were  small. 

While  the  launch  was  approaching  the  line 
of  anchored  ships,  Phil  left  his  two  compan- 
ions and  stood  close  beside  O'Neil,  while  the 
sailor  steered  for  the  lights  which  had  been 


252  A  UNITED  STATES 

pointed   out  to  him  as  being  on   board   the 
"  Phomix." 

The  lads  were  delighted  to  have  this  fine 
American  sailor-inau  again  with  them.  Phil 
recounted  again  all  the  exciting  adventures 
through  which  they  had  just  passed  and 
O'Neil  in  his  turn  told  of  the  monotonous  life 
on  board  a  monitor  in  Manila  Bay. 

"  It's  worse  than  going  to  sea  in  a  submarine, 
Mr.  Perry."  the  sailor  exclaimed.  '"  She's  so 
low  in  the  water  and  rolls  so  quickly  that  we 
was  awash  all  the  way  up  the  China  coast. 
We  couldn't  use  them  big  guns  at  sea  :  one 
second  they  are  pointing  in  the  water  and  the 
next  they  are  looking  at  the  moon  ;  but  here 
in  the  river  it's  different.  We  can  cut  our 
name  on  those  forts  if  they'll  give  us  a  chance. 

••  That  captain  of  yours,  Mr.  Perry,  is  a  fire- 
eater.  There  ain't  nothing  he  is  afraid  of. 
I  am  glad."  he  added,  lowering  his  voice, 
although  there  was  no  one  but  a  Chinese 
crew  man  within  ear-shot,  "  to  hear  you  tell 
me  that  our  skipper  ain't  going  to  lead  this 
expedition.  He's  all  right  when  he  gets  good 
and  mad,  like  he  did  when  the  fort  fired  at 
him  to-night,  but  he  ain't  got  the  initiative. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        253 

Now,  '  Bucko '  Hughes,  that's  his  name  on 
the  foc's'le,  is  different;  he  always  likes  to 
hit  first."  Then  he  continued  in  a  moralizing 
tone  while  he  spun  his  wheel  to  steer  the  course 
to  bring  the  ship's  lights  on  a  proper  hearing : 

"  The  longer  I  live,  Mr.  Perry,  the  more  I 
believe  that's  the  best  tactics  for  a  fighting  man. 
If  you  hit  first  and  hit  hard  enough  maybe 
the  other  fellow  "11  drop  his  fists  and  say  he's 
had  enough." 

Phil  slapped  the  sailor  on  the  back  in  sign 
of  agreement  with  his  views,  while  O'Neil 
brought  the  "  Phoenix's "  lights,  now  close 
aboard,  broad  on  his  beam  in  order  to  round 
to  for  a  landing  at  the  gangway,  and  in 
answer  to  a  hoarse  challenge  from  the  gun- 
boat, he  sang  out  in  his  clear  voice  : 

"Aye!     Aye!" 

"  We're  still  midshipmen,"  Phil  corrected ; 
"  you  should  have  answered  '  No !  No !  * "  * 

'There  is  a  prescribed  rale  for  liaffiiig  a  boat  at  •%**.  A  ship, 
seeing  a  toa<api)roatl)in&  bate,  ''Boat aboy!"  If  enlisted  me« 
are  in  the  boat  the  proper  aacwcr  •"Hello!"  If  midahipsaea; 
are  in  the  boat  the  answer  is  tSo!  So  ! "  if  commisBioBed  eaten, 
"Aje!  Aye!"  If  a  captain  is  in  the  boat  the  answer  m  t*» 
name  of  his  drip,  and  an  admiral's  proper  answer  is  "  Flag  "— 
meaning  that  die  boat  carries  an  admiral's  flag. 


254  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  That's  all  right,  sir,"  the  sailor  returned 
with  a  grin.  "  It  ain't  who  you  are  ;  it's  the 
news  you  bring.  If  I'd  said,  '  No  !  No  ! ' 
they  might  not  have  waked  '  Bucko,'  and  I 
know  he'd  want  to  see  you  as  soon  as  you 
put  foot  on  board." 

A  few  minutes  later  Phil  led  the  way  up 
the  gangway  ladder  and  soon  found  himself 
in  the  enthusiastic  embrace  of  the  officer  of 
the  deck.  Although  it  was  after  twelve 
o'clock  many  of  the  officers  were  awake  and  a 
glance  about  the  ship  told  the  midshipman 
that  careful  preparations  were  being  made  to 
protect  the  vital  parts  of  the  gunboat  from 
the  shells  of  the  enemy. 

They  were  told  that  Commander  Hughes 
was  in  the  cabin  and  as  yet  in  ignorance  of 
the  return  of  the  hostages. 

"  I  sent  down  word  just  now  by  the 
orderly,"  the  officer  of  the  deck  said  with  a 
smile,  "  that  some  commissioned  officers  were 
coming  alongside  in  a  launch,  so  I  suppose 
he's  awake,  for  it's  not  often  that  we  receive 
callers  this  time  of  night." 

The  three  Americans  and  Emmons  went 
hastily  to  the  captain's  cabin,  where  they 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         255 

found  the  orderly  awaiting  them,  while  Com- 
mander Hughes  was  seated  at  his  desk.  Phil 
was  shocked  at  the  change  in  his  captain's 
face.  His  buoyant  expression  had  been  dis- 
placed by  a  haggard  look  and  as  he  turned 
his  eyes  toward  the  door,  the  lad  noticed,  with 
a  twinge  of  pity,  that  their  expression  was 
one  of  worry,  while  the  dark  circles  below 
them  told  only  too  plainly  the  story  of  sleep- 
less nights. 

It  was  not  until  Phil  had  advanced  almost 
to  his  side  that  Commander  Hughes  realized 
who  his  visitors  were.  Then  the  mask 
dropped  from  his  face  and  he  sprang  eagerly 
to  his  feet  with  a  glad  cry. 

"  I  was  just  thinking,"  he  exclaimed  joy- 
fully as  he  embraced  one  after  another  of  the 
men  returning  to  him  as  if  from  the  grave, 
"  that  for  a  glimpse  of  you  safe  on  board  here 
again  I'd  give  ten  years  of  my  life." 

After  the  first  joyful  shock  of  meeting  was 
over  Commander  Hughes  made  the  midship- 
men and  their  companions  be  seated,  and 
each  in  turn  told  the  thrilling  details  of  his 
experiences  since  leaving  Lien-Chow  with 
the  flag  of  truce.  The  story  of  Commander 


256  A  UNITED  STATES 

Ignacio's  duplicity,  much  to  the  lads'  surprise, 
brought  forth  but  little  comment. 

"  I  have  suspected  him,"  their  captain 
answered,  almost  sadly,  "  since  his  return 
without  you." 

When  the  part  in  their  ventures  taken  by 
Emmons  was  told  him,  Commander  Hughes 
arose  from  his  chair  and,  much  to  the  embar- 
rassment of  the  half-breed,  took  his  hand  in 
both  of  his,  thanking  him  eloquently  for  his 
self-sacrificing  acts.  Then  Phil's  heart  leaped 
with  delight  as  his  captain  cast  from  him  all 
signs  of  sentiment ;  the  old  fire  had  returned 
to  his  eyes. 

The  midshipmen  were  so  intent  upon  their 
own  experiences  that  the  mention  of  the  ar- 
rival of  the  monitors  came  only  at  the  end  of 
their  narrative. 

Commander  Hughes  could  hardly  believe 
his  ears. 

"  The  monitors  are  actually  here  !  "  he  ex- 
claimed, doubting  the  welcome  news.  It  was 
too  good  to  be  true. 

"  The  '  Monterey '  is  at  anchor  at  the 
entrance  of  the  lake,"  Phil  assured  him. 
"  The  '  Monadnock  '  should  have  arrived  by 


"  THE  MONITORS  ARE  ACTUALLY 
*        HERE!' 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        257 

now.  Commander  Barnes  has  kept  up  steam 
awaiting  your  arrival.  I  told  him  you  would 
go  up  the  river  to-night,"  he  added  hastily. 

Commander  Hughes'  joy  showed  plainly  in 
his  strong  face. 

"  How  glad  I  should  be  that  I  have  not 
yielded  to  the  persistent  counsels  of  the  other 
captains  !  "  he  cried.  "  No  one  knows  what 
these  last  few  days  of  suspense  and  un- 
certainty have  been.  When  Ignacio  left  us  it 
required  the  combined  effort  of  Beresford  and 
myself  to  prevent  the  rest  from  following  like 
a  flock  of  sheep.  I  had  wrung  a  reluctant 
promise  from  those  remaining  to  attempt  to 
run  the  batteries  to-morrow  night  unless  the 
viceroy  agreed  to  our  demands.  My  letter  to 
him  sent  by  one  of  the  renegades  has  not  been 
answered." 

Phil  gasped.  The  viceroy's  answer  was 
in  the  pocket  of  his  blouse,  but  he  must  not 
deliver  it.  To  do  so  would  betray  the  fact  of 
a  telegram. 

"  But  now,"  the  captain  continued,  "  we  can- 
not wait  for  his  answer.  The  lives  of  those 
in  the  mission  depend  upon  immediate  action 
on  our  part.  I  feel  sure  that  the  news  of  the 


258  A  UNITED  STATES 

arrival  of  the  monitors  and  this  chart  of  a 
safe  channel  will  bolster  up  our  allies'  waning 
courage. 

"  I  fear  for  the  sailors  in  the  j^amen,"  he 
added,  a  note  of  grave  anxiety  in  his  voice  ; 
"  but  if  a  hair  of  their  heads  is  injured  I  shall 
not  rest  until  those  guilty  of  the  outrage  are 
punished.  The  viceroy  himself  shall  not 
escape  the  penalty  of  this  crime." 


CHAPTER  XVIII 

THE   START    FOR    KU-LING 

THE  midshipmen,  after  leaving  the  captain's 
cabin,  hastened  to  their  rooms  to  bathe  and 
don  fresh  clothes.  Phil  eyed  his  bunk  long- 
ingly ;  he  had  not  had  a  comfortable  sleep  for 
many  nights,  but  he  withstood  the  tempta- 
tion and  soon  found  the  duty  of  helping  to 
prepare  the  ship  for  battle  far  more  interest- 
ing. 

Commander  Hughes  had  signaled  at  once 
for  the  gunboat  captains,  and  each  had  left 
the  "  Phoenix,"  enthusiastic  at  the  lucky  turn 
affairs  had  taken,  and  cordially  willing  to 
cooperate. 

"  I  am  in  doubt,"  Commander  Hughes  con- 
fided to  Phil  on  the  quarter-deck,  where  the 
lad  had  been  directing  the  work  of  the  men 
of  his  division,  "  what  to  do  with  our  non- 
combatants.  Each  gunboat  is  carrying  a 
dozen  or  more  of  their  own  nationality, 
269 


26o  A  UNITED  STATES 

former  residents  of  the  foreign  concession  at 
Ku-Ling.  These  gunboats  will  offer  no  pro- 
tection to  the  women  and  children  if  we  are 
discovered  and  fired  upon  by  the  forts.  One 
large  shell  might  even,  if  it  hit  in  a  vital  spot, 
sink  this  vessel." 

"  Why  not  put  all  on  board  the  monitors?  " 
Phil  suggested  ;  "  they  would  be  perfectly  safe 
there  behind  armor." 

"  A  good  idea,"  the  captain  replied  gladly. 
"  I  shall  signal  at  once  to  have  the  refugees 
ready  to  disembark. 

"  How  many  can  Emmons'  launch  carry  ?  " 
he  questioned. 

"  It's  a  good-sized  boat,  sir,"  Phil  replied. 
"  I  should  say  certainly  fifty  persons." 

"  That's  very  well,"  the  former  said.  Then 
Phil,  recognizing  a  change  of  tone  in  his 
superior's  voice,  drew  himself  to  attention  as 
the  captain  added  slowly  : 

"  We  shall  be  ready  to  get  under  way  at 
one  o'clock  at  the  latest.  You  will  follow  in 
the  launch  and  when  the  '  Phoenix/  which  of 
course  will  lead  the  column,  reaches  the  moni- 
tors, you  will  begin  at  once  to  transfer  all 
refugees  from  the  gunboats,  dividing  them 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         261 

equally  between  the  two  monitors.  I  shall 
write  out  immediately  orders  for  the  com- 
manding officers  of  the  '  Monterey  '  and  '  Mo- 
nadnock,'  which  I  shall  hand  you  for  delivery 
before  you  shove  off.  They  will  be  unable  to 
follow  us  through  the  secret  channel,  as  their 
draft  is  too  great,  so  I  have  directed  that  they 
remain  beyond  the  range  of  fire  of  the  forts, 
unless  by  chance  we  are  menaced  by  the 
enemy's  guns. 

"  I  sincerely  hope,"  he  continued  in  a  less 
official  voice,  "  that  nothing  happens  to  either 
of  the  monitors  with  such  precious  freight. 
Do  you  know,  Mr.  Perry,"  he  added  feelingly, 
"  out  in  these  countries  where  lives  are  so 
cheap,  we  Americans  would  sacrifice  a  whole 
shipload  of  men  for  the  single  life  of  a  mother 
or  a  child." 

Phil  inclined  his  head  in  mute  token  of 
agreement  to  his  captain's  humane  sentiment. 
Then  suddenly  a  thought  seemed  to  strike 
the  latter,  and  he  drew  the  lad  farther  away 
from  the  sailors  engaged  in  making  a  pro- 
tecting screen  of  hammocks  about  the  after- 
gun  positions,  for  greater  safety  against  the 
possibility  of  infantry  fire  from  the  island, 


262  A  UNITED  STATES 

close  to  which  the  channel  was  shown  to 
lead. 

"  What  is  your  theory,  Mr.  Perry,"  he  asked 
earnestly,  "  of  the  actions  of  Commander  Ig- 
nacio?  Is  it  merely  a  hostile  dislike  for  me 
and  our  countrymen,  or  does  it  come  from  a 
deeper  and  more  subtle  reason  ?  " 

Phil  hesitated  ;  could  he  give  his  honest 
views,  or  more  correctly  speaking,  his  knowl- 
edge of  the  reasons  for  Ignacio's  actions,  with- 
out endangering  the  asking  of  a  question 
from  his  captain,  to  answer  which  he  might 
have  to  descend  to  subterfuge  and  even  de- 
ceit? The  fatal  telegram  lay  snugly  in  his 
pocket;  he  could  almost  imagine  that  Com- 
mander Hughes'  piercing  eyes  could  read, 
through  the  cloth  of  his  blouse,  the  words 
which  seemed  engraved  in  bold  letters  on  the 
lad's  brain.  Phil  had  purposely  cautioned 
his  companions  to  say  nothing  of  the  cap- 
tured letters  which  had  passed  between  Ignacio 
and  the  viceroy's  secretary,  for  fear  that  the 
many  allusions  to  the  hope  of  accomplishing 
the  disgrace  of  the  American  leader  might 
awaken  suspicion.  These  letters,  the  boy  had 
decided,  could  not  be  of  benefit  now  to  Com- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         263 

mander  Hughes,  but  would  be  of  vital  im- 
portance in  justifying  the  suppression  of  the 
cablegram  taken  from  the  person  of  Ta-Ling. 

"  I  think,  sir,"  Phil  answered  after  several 
moments  of  silence,  "  that  Commander  Ig- 
nacio's  motive  lies  much  deeper  than  personal 
enmity.  There  must  surely  be  some  important 
objective  toward  which  he  has  been  striving. 
Possibly,"  he  hinted  vaguely  in  an  endeavor 
to  have  his  captain  broach  the  real  reason,  of 
which  the  lad  knew  only  too  well,  "  he  be- 
lieves that  he  can  secure  better  commercial 
benefits  for  his  own  countrymen  and  to  the  hurt 
of  American  interests.  They  say  that  the  vice- 
roy has  been  openly  antagonistic  for  months 
to  all  American  investments  in  his  provinces." 

"  How  stupid  of  me  !  "  Commander  Hughes 
exclaimed.  "  The  railroad  to  Peking  and 
through  the  interior  provinces  I  I  have  been 
so  much  engrossed  with  my  own  troubles  that 
I  have  not  given  the  motive  of  this  hostile 
action  the  attention  which  it  deserves.  I 
heard  in  Shanghai  before  we  sailed  that  the 
American  corporation  having  the  railroad 
concession  rights  was  having  great  trouble 
in  getting  permission  to  break  ground,  and  a 


264  A  UNITED  STATES 

great  mass  of  material  is  lying  idle  in  steamers 
awaiting  permission  of  the  viceroy  to  land.  Of 
course,  that  must  be  at  the  bottom  of  all  this  ! 

"  It  is  this  commercial  rivalry  which  will 
forever  keep  the  Chinese  from  looking  upon 
foreigners  as  desirable  residents  of  their 
country,"  he  continued  thoughtfully.  "  We 
are  ever  at  each  other's  throats  in  our  com- 
mercial dealings.  There  are  grave  conse- 
quences to  be  feared  in  the  opening  of  this 
vast  and  rich  territory,  and  if  we  are  not 
strictly  honest  in  our  dealings  with  each  other, 
the  consequences  ma}'  well  warrant  the  build- 
ing of  a  great  navy." 

Commander  Hughes,  as  he  finished  speak- 
ing, gazed  out  over  the  water  to  the  anchored 
ships  of  the  allied  fleet  and  then,  nodding  a 
dismissal  to  the  midshipmen,  he  walked  to- 
ward the  companion  ladder  leading  to  his 
cabin. 

"  The  signal  is  two  white  lights  when 
ready,"  he  said  to  the  officer  of  the  deck. 
"  Notify  me  when  all  the  ships  have  shown 
the  signal,  and  keep  the  launch  ready  for 
Mr.  Perry."  Then  to  Phil,  as  he  descended  the 
companion  way,  "  Langdon  must  of  course  stay 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         265 

with  us.  We  shall  need  him  to  help  us  over 
the  shoals  at  the  entrance  to  the  lake." 

Phil  saluted  and  then  glanced  at  the  clock 
on  the  cabin  bulkhead.  He  saw  its  hands 
pointed  to  twenty  minutes  of  one.  In  but  a 
few  hours  all  would  be  decided.  Either 
Commander  Hughes  would  win  and  his  act 
of  suppressing  the  cablegram  be  condoned,  or 
else  the  gunboats  would  be  utterly  defeated, 
maybe  destroyed  by  the  fire  of  the  forts  and 
his  hated  enemy  Ignacio  raised  to  power  as 
the  leader  of  the  dissenters.  The  possibilities 
were  so  terrifying  that  he  looked  about  him 
for  some  object  upon  which  to  concentrate  his 
mind.  He  wished  to  keep  himself  from 
brooding  on  the  future  of  the  night's  venture. 
Gazing  out  into  the  darkness,  he  could  see 
black  smoke  and  sparks  belching  from  the 
smoke-stacks  of  the  "  Phoenix's "  consorts. 
The  shrill  whistles  of  the  boatswain's  mates 
and  the  creaking  of  tackles  came  distinctly 
across  the  still  water,  showing  their  hurried 
preparations  to  be  ready. 

He  saw  that  two  white  lights  burned  at  the 
yard-arm  of  his  own  ship  ;  she  then  was  ready 
to  lead  the  fleet  on  its  perilous  undertaking ; 


266  A  UNITED  STATES 

to  run  by,  well  inside  of  the  range  of  the  forts' 
guns,  with  but  a  screen  of  high  grass  to  pro- 
tect the  unarmored  ships  from  the  heavy 
shells  of  their  enemy.  While  the  lad  watched 
silently,  his  pulses  beating  fast,  the  signal  of 
readiness  flashed  out  from  gunboat  after  gun- 
boat, until  the  entire  fleet  had  mutely  in- 
formed the  "  Phoenix  "  that  it  was  ready  and 
eager  to  follow  the  lead  of  its  intrepid  com- 
mander. 

A  moment  later  he  heard  a  step  at  his  side, 
and  the  captain's  voice  saying  : 

"  Here  are  the  orders  for  the  monitors. 
You  understand  what  you  are  to  do.  I  shall 
give  you  further  orders  later." 

Phil  took  the  two  envelopes  and  put  them 
carefully  in  his  pocket ;  then  seeing  his  cap- 
tain's hand  still  extended,  he  grasped  it 
warmly. 

"  We  little  realize  how  much  depends  upon 
our  success  to-night,"  Commander  Hughes 
said  in  an  earnest  voice.  Then  casting  from 
him  the  air  of  depression,  he  added  lightly, 
"  Our  star  is  still  in  the  ascendent.  We  shall 
not  consider  failure." 

Phil  gazed  almost  worshipfully  at  his  cap- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         267 

tain  as  the  latter  left  him,  going  forward 
toward  the  gunboat's  bridge  to  make  the  sig- 
nal which  would  launch  the  fleet  upon  its 
perilous  mission  ;  then  he  was  conscious  that 
Sydney  stood  by  him  and  the  officer  of  the 
deck  appeared  anxious  to  have  the  big  launch 
shove  off.  Together  the  lads  descended  the 
ladder,  followed  by  Emmons  as  an  interpreter 
for  the  Chinese  crew  men,  for  Langdon  had 
been  detailed  to  remain  to  pilot  the  fleet. 

Quietly  the  fleet  got  under  way,  forming  in 
column  of  vessels  with  the  American  gunboat 
leading.  Then  as  if  by  signal,  commencing 
with  the  leader,  each  of  the  gunboats  dis- 
solved into  the  night.  To  the  lads  it  appeared 
as  if  a  cloak  had  been  thrown  over  each  vessel. 

"  Their  lights  are  all  screened  !  "  Sydney  ex- 
claimed. "  Look  I  you  can  barely  see  the  ves- 
sel following  the  '  Phoenix.'  " 

Phil  allowed  his  eyes  to  travel  over  the 
scene  where  a  moment  before  many  lights 
pierced  the  darkness  ;  now  all  that  was  visible 
was  the  shadowy  form  of  the  American  vessel 
scarce  a  hundred  yards  away  and  a  dark 
smudge  of  the  next  following ;  all  others  had 
vanished  from  view. 


268  A  UNITED  STATES 

In  the  long,  tedious  hour  necessary  to  arrive 
at  the  anchored  monitors,  the  midshipmen 
stood  by  O'Neil  and  Emmons  at  the  launch's 
wheel.  Their  pulses  beat  high  in  semi-dread 
at  what  the  night  would  bring  forth.  They 
had  seen  enough  of  the  marksmanship  of  the 
forts  to  know  that  their  gunners  were  not  to 
be  despised.  The  island,  behind  which  the 
gunboats  were  to  find  refuge  in  passing  the 
forts,  was  low,  but  being  covered  with  a  dense 
growth  of  giant  reeds,  would  conceal  all  but 
the  lofty  spars  of  the  vessels,  which  for 
greater  security  had  been  lowered  to  the  decks. 

"  Is  there  any  doubt  of  the  existence  of  this 
channel  ? "  Sydney  questioned  Emmons,  a 
sudden  fear  of  treachery  coming  into  his 
mind,  for  if  it  were  not  there  the  gunboats 
endeavoring  to  find  its  entrance  would  ground 
upon  the  shifting  shoals  of  the  river  and 
when  day  dawned  be  under  fire  at  close 
range  of  the  enemy's  guns. 

"  I  have  navigated  my  launches  on  the 
river  for  six  years,"  Emmons  replied,  "  and 
never  until  the  Tartar  general  gave  me  this 
chart  did  I  suspect  that  the  channel  existed. 
There  is  a  legend  among  the  Chinese  sailors 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         269 

that  it  was  used  by  war  junks  a  half  century 
ago  in  escaping  from  British  men-of-war." 

After  arriving  at  the  anchorage  of  the 
monitors,  for  the  "  Monadnock "  now  lay 
near  her  consort,  Phil  directed  the  launch 
be  steered  alongside  the  farthest  gunboat. 
Refugees,  men,  women  and  children,  carry- 
ing in  their  hands  but  the  necessary  clothes 
for  one  night,  quickly  embarked  and  were 
carried  expeditiously  to  the  monitors,  where 
Phil  gave  Commander  Hughes'  verbal  in- 
structions and  the  written  orders. 

This  duty  completed,  the  launch  once  more 
drew  up  alongside  of  the  "  Phoenix's  "  gang- 
way ladder. 

"  Mr.  Perry ! "  called  a  voice  from  the 
bridge,  which  Phil  recognized  as  that  of  his 
captain.  "  Remain  in  the  launch  and  start 
ahead  of  us.  If  you  find  less  water  than  our 
draft,  signal  us  at  once." 

Phil  acknowledged  the  order  and  gave  the 
word  to  proceed.  He  had  taken  the  pre- 
caution to  make  a  rough  sketch  of  the  chart ; 
now  laying  the  sheet  of  paper  on  the  deck 
house  under  the  ray  of  a  bull's-eye  lantern  he 
judged  the  course  to  steer.  O'Neil  swung  the 


2yo  A  UNITED  STATES 

launch's  bow  in  the  compass  direction,  while 
the  Chinese  leadsman  stood  ready  to  test  the 
depth  of  water  with  his  bamboo  pole. 

Silently  they  sped  onward  ;  the  low  island 
across  the  river  slowly  took  shape  and  the  lad 
directed  the  boatswain's  mate  to  steer  for  the 
end  of  the  black  line  barely  discernible  above 
the  water. 

"  We  are  now  within  the  arc  of  fire  of  the 
forts,"  Phil  whispered  to  Sydney  ;  "  from  here 
to  the  island  the  gunboats  will  be  unprotected 
if  discovered  by  the  sentries  at  the  guns. 
However,  it's  long  range,  and  fortunately  the 
night  is  dark." 

Silently  and  regularly  the  leadsman  thrust 
downward  his  pole  until  twelve  feet,  three 
feet  greater  than  the  maximum  draft  of  the 
gunboats,  was  buried  beneath  the  surface. 

All  on  board  the  launch  were  silently  anx- 
ious. The  deep  channel  of  the  river  had  been 
left  behind  and,  under  the  train  of  the  fort 
guns,  they  were  traveling  over  water  that  on 
the  charts  issued  by  the  home  government 
showed  barely  enough  water  to  float  a  row- 
boat,  and  yet  the  leadsman  untiringly 
plunged  his  bamboo  to  a  distance  of  twelve 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         271 

feet  without  touching  the  sandy  bottom. 
Hope  rose  in  Phil's  heart. 

"  Emmons'  chart  is  true ! "  Sydney  ex- 
claimed in  a  low,  joyful  voice.  "  See,  we're 
nearly  abreast  of  the  point.  In  a  few  minutes 
more  the  island  will  be  between  us  and  the 
guns." 

Phil's  eyes  traveled  excitedly  over  the 
scene ;  the  forts,  some  thousands  of  yards 
away,  were  enshrouded  in  darkness ;  the 
island  appeared  ever  more  distinct,  the  deep 
shadow  of  its  high  vegetation  rising  ghastly 
from  the  water. 

"  Round  the  point  close,"  Phil  directed 
O'Neil,  "  and  keep  in  to  the  shore  line." 

Boldly  the  launch  neared  the  dark  land, 
now  so  near  at  hand  that  it  seemed  possible 
in  the  darkness  to  reach  out  and  touch  the 
long,  overhanging  reeds.  The  dry  rustle  of 
the  wind  among  the  rank  growth  seemed  in 
the  silence  almost  as  loud  as  the  footsteps  of 
an  army  marching. 

So  far  all  seemed  to  be  progressing  happily 
for  the  allies.  The  channel  was  an  established 
fact  and  the  midshipmen  saw  with  relief  that 
once  behind  the  island  the  gunboats  could 


272  A  UNITED  STATES 

not  be  seen  by  the  soldiers  in  the  forts.  The 
island  was  narrow,  but  so  long  that  when  the 
vessels  emerged  from  its  protection  above  the 
city  of  Ku-Ling,  they  would  be  in  the  dead 
angle  of  the  heavy  batteries  and  well  beyond 
the  range  of  the  lighter  guns. 

The  launch  chugged  steadily  onward,  the 
intention  being  to  discover  if  possible  any 
shoaling  of  the  water  in  the  channel,  but  the 
leadsman's  bamboo  pole  betrayed  no  change. 

"  What's  that  ahead,  sir  ? "  O'Neil  ex- 
claimed suddenly ;  "  it's  a  launch,  I'm 
sure." 

The  lads  strained  their  eyes  in  the  direction 
indicated,  but  could  see  nothing ;  then  a  light 
shot  into  the  air,  followed  by  a  shower  of 
sparks  and  a  bright  flame,  and  again  all  was 
darkness. 

"  What  does  it  mean  ?  "  Phil  gasped  in  sud- 
den alarm.  "  It's  a  launch,  that's  sure.  She's 
carrying  no  lights,  and  the  flame  from  her 
smoke-stack  shows  she  has  seen  us  and  is  mak- 
ing haste  to  escape." 

"  She's  going  faster  than  we  are,  too," 
O'Neil  exclaimed,  his  keen  eyes  detecting 
what  the  midshipmen  had  failed  to  see. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         273 

"  Do  you  smell  smoke?  "  Sydney  questioned 
anxiously. 

A  moment  later  there  was  no  longer  doubt 
of  the  presence  of  smoke  ;  a  light  breeze  from 
the  direction  of  the  island  carried  the  pungent 
odor  of  burning  brush  down  the  wind  to  the 
nostrils  of  the  surprised  Americans. 

11  There's  a  fire  on  the  island  !  "  O'Neil  sud- 
denly exclaimed. 


CHAPTER  XIX 

THE   SECRET    CHANNEL 

AFTER  the  Americans  had  departed,  leaving 
Ta-Ling  tightly  bound  and  gagged  on  the  cell 
floor,  the  Chinaman  remained  quietly  be- 
moaning his  cruel  destiny.  He  knew  from 
the  silence  throughout  the  yamen  that  it 
would  be  futile  for  him  to  waste  his  strength 
in  useless  struggling  at  the  bonds  that  bound 
him.  His  Oriental  mind  counseled  self-de- 
struction. There  was  no  alternative  to  wipe 
out  the  dishonor  of  being  defeated  and  humili- 
ated by  his  despised  enemies.  The  loss  of  his 
sacred  cue  was  a  bitter  misfortune.  How 
could  he  appear  before  his  brother  mandarins 
with  this  necessary  appendage  missing?  The 
more  he  revolved  the  situation  over  in  his 
rnind,  the  calmer  he  became.  His  Western 
teaching,  with  its  more  worldly  and  less 
devious  ways  of  thought,  came  to  his  aid, 
driving  away  all  ideas  of  self-destruction,  and 
he  resolved  that  he  would  fight  according  to 
274 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         275 

the  methods  taught  by  his  new  learning  so 
long  as  life  remained  him. 

It  seemed  to  the  helpless  man  that  many 
hours  must  have  passed  while  he  remained 
motionless  on  the  damp  earth.  He  had  dur- 
ing this  time  thought  over  and  over  again  of 
all  that  had  been  said  by  the  Americans. 
While  he  lay  to  all  appearances  insensible,  he 
had  heard  the  wording  of  the  cipher  message 
to  the  American  commander.  He  had  been 
upon  the  point  of  sending  the  cablegrams  to 
the  American  ship,  but  now  they  were  in  the 
hands  of  the  midshipmen  and  he  had  heard 
them  say  that  they  would  not  give  them  to 
their  captain.  So  much  of  the  plan  of  his  ally, 
Commander  Ignacio,  was  a  failure. 

The  missing  chart  which  he  felt  sure  had 
been  taken  by  Emmons  caused  him  the  great- 
est anxiety.  He  had  intended  to  block  this 
channel  with  sunken  stone-laden  junks,  but 
with  the  usual  roundabout  methods  of  the 
Chinese  he  had  found  the  mandarin  in  charge 
of  such  work  could  not  load  the  junks  for 
some  days,  so  he  had  passed  it  by,  believing 
that  the  presence  of  such  a  channel  would  re- 
main a  secret.  Hang-Ki,  the  Tartar  general, 


2;6  A  UNITED  STATES 

could  be  the  only  one  of  those  in  the  secrets 
of  the  yamen  who  would  dare  thwart  him. 
Ta- Ling's  veins  swelled  with  suppressed  anger 
as  he  blamed  his  ill-luck  for  not  having  suc- 
ceeded in  his  attempt  on  the  general's  life. 
This  man  he  felt  sure  was  also  in  the  daring 
plot  which  had  liberated  the  Americans  and 
placed  him,  second  only  in  power  to  the 
viceroy,  in  chains,  helpless,  while  his  carefully- 
laid  scheme  of  forever  ridding  China  of  the 
foreign  leeches  was  falling  like  a  house  of 
cards  about  his  head. 

While  his  mind  grappled  with  the  intricate 
intrigues,  there  came  a  dull  boom  of  heavy 
cannon,  shaking  violently  the  yamen.  Again 
and  again  the  earth  was  shaken  and  the  deep 
tones  of  discharges  of  great  guns  reverberated 
through  the  vast  building. 

What  did  it  mean?  Had  the  Americans 
then  succeeded  in  escaping  and  were  the  fort 
guns  firing  upon  them  ?  How  could  they  es- 
cape by  water  when  every  launch  had  been 
wrecked  by  his  trusted  soldiers  ? 

The  yamen  now  was  no  longer  silent.  Ta- 
Ling  could  hear  shrill  cries  and  the  hurried 
march  of  feet.  Men  were  running  wildly 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         277 

here  and  there,  an  unknown  fear  in  their 
hearts.  The  Chinaman's  hopes  rose ;  the 
viceroy  would  send  for  him  to  know  the 
cause  of  the  firing  and  he  must  before  long 
be  discovered.  He  tugged  desperately  but 
fruitlessly  at  his  bonds,  but  Langdon  had 
done  his  work  well. 

Exhausted  and  breathless,  he  at  length 
resigned  himself  to  fate.  Then  he  heard  his 
own  name  cried  by  the  viceroy's  crier,  re- 
sounding loudly  throughout  the  yamen. 
After  what  seemed  an  eternity,  the  door  of 
his  cell  was  thrown  open  and  several  guards 
entered  the  dark  prison. 

"  Here  they  are,"  he  heard  a  soldier  ex- 
claim, and  then  he  felt  himself  grasped 
roughly  and  carried  out  into  the  court- 
yard. 

The  next  moment  a  light  was  thrust  in  his 
face  and  then  the  guards  recoiled  in  mortal 
fear  as  they  beheld  the  features  of  the  Chinese 
tyrant. 

"  We  beg  a  million  pardons,  Excellency," 
the  leader  cried,  cringing  before  the  terrible 
eye  of  the  viceroy's  secretary,  while  his  com- 
panions prostrated  themselves  before  him. 


278  A  UNITED  STATES 

Ta-Ling  made  a  sign  to  remove  his  gag,  his 
joy  at  deliverance  fighting  with  his  outraged 
dignity  at  being  so  roughly  handled. 

"  Take  off  these  irons,  you  dogs,"  he  hissed 
when  he  could  speak  ;  "  the  keys  are  on  the 
floor  of  the  cell." 

The  keys  were  quickly  brought  from  where 
Ta-Ling  had  seen  them  thrown  by  the  mid- 
shipmen, and  soon  he  was  free. 

"  Meet  me  at  the  yamen  gate,"  he  ordered 
huskily,  kicking  a  kneeling  figure  savagely 
to  punctuate  his  words  ;  and  then  he  hastened 
to  his  quarters  to  replace  the  clothes  of  which 
his  former  captives  had  deprived  him. 

Upon  the  threshold  of  his  room  he  en- 
countered the  frail  figure  of  the  aged  man- 
darin, his  features  stamped  with  fear. 

"  You  traitor,"  he  cried  in  a  weak  trem- 
bling voice,  as  he  caught  sight  of  the  di- 
sheveled Ta-Ling  ;  "  so  this  is  the  end  of  your 
vain  boasting.  The  foreign  dogs  are  coming 
to  destroy  me." 

The  secretary  used  all  of  his  powers  of 
persuasion  to  reassure  his  master.  He  told 
the  viceroy  hurriedly  of  the  escape  of  the 
Americans  and  the  loss  of  the  chart,  but  pro- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         2-79 

tested  that  there  was  no  immediate  danger 
from  the  guns  of  the  fleet. 

Leading  the  trembling  old  man  back  to  his 
own  room,  he  called  loudly  for  the  treasurer, 
appreciating  that  in  order  to  make  true  his 
words  to  his  master  not  a  second  must  be 
wasted. 

Receiving  no  answer  to  his  call,  he  retraced 
his  steps  to  his  room,  and  there  he  was  not 
surprised  to  find  the  bound  body  of  his  friend 
in  the  dark  corner  where  Phil  had  thrown  him. 

After  setting  the  man  free,  he  gave  him 
hasty  instructions  and  sent  him  to  keep  the 
viceroy  company,  while  he  feverishly  threw 
on  the  garments  of  a  mandarin  before  joining 
his  awaiting  soldiers.  Hastily  writing  an 
order  he  took  it  to  the  viceroy  for  signature, 
then  calling  a  waiting  messenger  he  directed 
it  be  taken  at  once  to  the  Tartar  general  at 
the  forts. 

Ten  minutes  later  Ta-Ling,  preceded  by  his 
guards,  pressed  through  the  frightened  throngs 
of  Chinese  in  the  narrow  street  outside  of  the 
yamen.  The  gun  fire  had  now  ceased  and  the 
terrified  natives  were  slowly  slinking  back  to 
their  hovels. 


280  A  UNITED  STATES 

Passing  unhindered  through  the  city  gate, 
the  secretary  led  the  way  directly  to  the  jetty. 
Here  he  was  to  have  met  his  ally,  Commander 
Ignacio,  earlier  in  the  evening,  but  much  to 
his  surprise  and  satisfaction,  as  he  reached 
the  landing,  he  saw  a  steam  launch  waiting. 

"  Can  you  take  me  to  the  '  Albaque  '  ?  "  he 
questioned  the  coxswain  eagerly. 

The  sailor  glanced  up  in  surprise.  Where 
was  his  captain?  He  had  seen  him,  as  he 
supposed,  with  this  Chinaman. 

"  I  am  waiting  for  the  captain,"  he  replied, 
a  shade  of  suspicion  in  his  voice.  "  Wasn't 
he  with  you  ?  " 

It  was  Ta-Ling's  turn  to  be  surprised. 

"  With  me ! "  he  exclaimed.  "  I  was  to  have 
met  him  hours  ago." 

The  coxswain  shook  his  head,  mystified. 
Had  he  not  seen  his  captain  go  away  with  this 
man  ?  Then  he  suddenly  thought  of  the 
crowd  of  Chinese  who  had  boarded  a  launch 
below  him  and  had  then  gone  alongside  of  his 
ship.  His  captain  surely  could  not  have  been 
among  those  men.  He  gave  it  up.  It  was 
too  deep  for  his  understanding,  for  that  launch 
had  then  gone  down  the  river  shortly  before 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         .81 

the  fight  between  the  forts  and  a  strange  war- 
ship. 

"  All  right ;  get  in,"  he  said  finally. 

In  several  minutes  Ta-Ling  was  greeted 
warmly  by  the  officer  of  the  deck  of  the 
"  Albaque."  The  latter  was  glad  to  see  the 
Chinaman  again.  The  quartermaster  of  the 
gunboat  had  persisted  that  the  launch  of  the 
Chinaman  had  not  landed,  but  had  gone 
down  the  river,  and  the  young  officer  had 
commenced  to  fear  that  he  had  been  duped 
into  giving  up  both  the  captain's  correspond- 
ence and  the  Chinese  refugee. 

"  May  I  see  your  captain  ?  "  Ta-Ling  asked 
anxiously.  "  It's  of  the  utmost  importance." 

"  My  captain  has  not  returned  !  "  the  officer 
exclaimed,  alarm  in  his  voice. 

"  Where  is  he  ?  quick,  man  !  Everything 
depends  upon  my  finding  him  at  once,"  Ta- 
Ling  cried  in  vexation. 

"  He  was  with  you ;  the  launch  was  waiting 
for  him,"  the  officer  returned,  catching  his 
breath,  his  heart  in  his  throat. 

"  I  haven't  seen  him  since  this  morning," 
the  Chinaman  declared  impatiently.  "  Does 
no  one  know  of  his  whereabouts  ?  " 


282  A  UNITED  STATES 

The  officer  was  rooted  to  the  spot  from 
fright.  His  throat  was  parched  with  fear 
and  his  tongue  unruly. 

"  You  were  here  to-night  asking  for  the 
papers  of  the  captain,"  he  managed  to  gasp, 
his  worst  fears  realized. 

"  You're  dreaming,  man,"  Ta-Ling  retorted 
almost  angrily.  "  Come,  explain  !  What  do 
you  mean  ?  " 

The  officer  related  to  the  anxious  Chinaman 
how  some  one  whom  he  could  have  taken 
oath  was  he  had  come  on  board  from  a  launch 
and  he  had  given  him  the  copies  of  his 
captain's  letters  to  the  viceroy,  and  also  a 
Chinese  refugee  who  had  escaped  on  board 
from  the  shore. 

Ta-Ling  groaned  in  anguish  as  the  full 
significance  of  this  news  dawned  upon  him. 
The  Americans  evidently  had  Emmons — and 
his  chart.  But  had  they  escaped  ?  That  was 
surely  the  cause  of  the  firing. 

"What  was  the  firing?"  Ta-Ling  asked 
hurriedly. 

"  An  American  monitor  and  the  forts,"  the 
officer  replied  in  a  shaky  voice. 

"  What  have  I  done?  "  he  added  question- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         283 

ingly,  much  terrified  over  the  results  of  his 
indiscretion. 

"  You've  given  your  captain's  letters  to  his 
enemy,  for  one  thing,"  the  Chinaman  an- 
swered in  his  cruel  voice,  "  and  besides  you 
have  liberated  a  man " 

A  shrill  cry  from  the  steam  launch,  which 
had,  while  waiting  for  the  Chinaman,  hauled 
out  to  the  lower  boom  to  lie  more  securely  in 
the  tideway,  cut  short  Ta-Ling's  words  and 
drew  the  two  men  to  the  rail. 

"  There's  a  man  tied  hand  and  foot  in  this 
boat,"  called  out  the  coxswain  in  alarm. 
"  It's  the  captain  ! "  he  exclaimed  with  many 
imprecations  upon  those  who  had  perpetrated 
the  deed. 

"  Cut  him  loose,  quick  ! "  the  officer  cried 
excitedly. 

Eager  hands  quickly  cut  the  tight  cords, 
and  Commander  Ignacio  soon  stood  on  his 
quarter-deck. 

"  An  hour  ago  I  would  have  throttled  you 
if  you'd  stood  here  before  me,"  were  his  first 
words,  spoken  hoarsely  and  with  difficulty  to 
the  Chinaman,  "  but  I  see  it  all  now.  We've 
been  unmercifully  duped." 


284  A  UNITED  STATES 

With  many  bitter  recriminations  the  whole 
plot  and  its  disastrous  success  was  discussed. 
Commander  Ignacio  could  barely  control  his 
rage  against  the  young  officer  who  had  in- 
nocently betrayed  him. 

"  Come,  we  must  act  at  once  !  "  Ta-Ling 
finally  exclaimed.  "  There  is  still  a  chance." 

The  foreign  captain's  face  brightened  as 
he  questioned  eagerly  the  excited  secretary. 

"  The  channel  will  be  useless  to  the  fleet  if 
we  can  burn  off  the  reed  grass,"  Ta-Ling 
explained  quickly.  "The  land  itself  is  low 
and  will  not  hide  the  gunboats  from  the  forts. 
Hut  we  must  be  quick.  That  fire-eating 
American  will  start  immediately  he  receives 
the  information  of  this  channel." 

"  Come  to  my  cabin,"  Ignacio  ordered  in 
a  low  voice,  glancing  suspiciously  at  his 
abashed  lieutenant. 

"  If  I  understand  you,"  he  continued  as  the 
door  closed  behind  them,  "  you  ask  me  to  aid 
you  in  burning  the  vegetation  on  this  island." 

"Certainly!"  Ta-Ling  cried  impatiently. 
"  Isn't  it  to  your  interest  that  this  American 
does  not  succeed  ?  " 

"  Softly,"    cautioned   the  foreign  captain  ; 


RE  fS  STILL  A  CHANCE 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        285 

"  we  don't  want  our  talk  to  be  common  prop- 
erty," indicating  by  a  motion  of  his  hand 
the  hatchway  leading  to  the  sleeping  quarters 
of  his  officers  ;  "  some  one  may  be  awake  down 
there." 

Ignacio  pondered  for  a  few  seconds.  To  go 
in  his  own  launch  and  set  fire  to  this  island 
would  betray  his  part  in  the  intrigue  with 
the  viceroy.  His  sailors  could  not  be  de- 
pended upon  to  keep  such  a  secret. 

"  I  see  no  alternative  but  to  decline,"  he 
continued  decidedly.  "  You  must  do  this  act 
yourself;  my  men  could  not  be  trusted  with 
such  a  secret." 

"  I  will  furnish  the  men,"  Ta-Ling  cried, 
beside  himself  with  impatience.  "  You  must 
furnish  me  a  launch  with  some  one  to  run  it ; 
but  hurry,  man,"  he  urged  excitedly.  "  The 
grass  must  be  burned  off  before  the  fleet 
arrives  at  the  island,  or  else  we  are  defeated." 

Commander  Ignacio  immediately  awoke  to 
action.  The  thought  of  the  lieutenant  who 
had  innocently  betrayed  him  came  happily  to 
his  mind  ;  he  could  run  the  engine  and  the 
sailors  could  remain  on  board  ship.  The 
secret  would  be  safe  with  this  officer.  No 


286  A  UNITED  STATES 

one  could  connect  him  with  the  act  of  burn- 
ing the  island. 

The  lieutenant  was  called  and  was  eager  to 
regain  his  captain's  favor.  Ten  minutes  later 
the  launch  from  the  "  Albaque,"  manned  by 
the  Chinese  soldiers,  with  Commander  Ignacio 
himself  at  the  helm,  had  quietly  left  the 
gunboat. 

Reaching  the  northern  point  of  the  island, 
a  landing  was  made  and  a  Chinaman  landed, 
armed  with  instructions  from  the  viceroy's 
secretary  to  set  fire  to  the  grass  in  as  many 
places  as  possible  and  to  return  in  time  to  be 
picked  up  on  the  launch's  return. 

The  launch  then  steamed  down  stream, 
stopping  at  several  points  to  land  the  soldiers. 

As  yet,  all  was  well.  The  launch  had  run 
the  complete  length  of  the  long  island,  land- 
ing the  incendiary  soldiers  ;  the  south  end  of 
the  island  was  only  a  few  hundred  yards 
ahead.  Ta-Ling  directed  the  foreign  captain 
to  steer  once  more  to  the  steep  shore.  There 
were  no  more  soldiers  remaining ;  the  ten  men 
had  all  been  landed  and  ten  fires  were  by 
now  burning  fiercely  in  as  many  places  on 
the  long  island.  Stepping  ashore,  he  was  soon 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         287 

lost  in  the  high  grass  towering  over  twenty 
feet  above  him.  Lighting  a  fire-brand,  hastily 
made  of  dry  reeds,  he  carefully  applied  it,  as 
he  walked  along,  to  the  dying  vegetation. 
Now  in  an  hour  the  island  would  be  a  blazing 
furnace.  For  the  rest  of  the  night  the  chan- 
nels would  be  lighted  as  bright  as  day.  Even 
the  monitors  would  not  dare  to  attempt  to 
pass  the  forts  until  the  following  night,  and 
by  that  time  he  would  have  fully  revenged 
himself  on  the  Americans  and  escaped  to  the 
interior.  He  smiled  cruelly  as  his  thoughts 
dwelt  upon  his  cunning  ruse  upon  the  vice- 
roy ;  the  mandarin,  in  his  excited  fear,  had 
signed  the  order  to  Hang-Ki  to  withdraw  his 
soldiers  from  the  mission  to  protect  the  forts. 
Now  the  bloodthirsty  rabble,  armed  and  or- 
ganized by  him  (Ta-Ling),  could  with  im- 
punity hurl  themselves  upon  the  mission. 


CHAPTER  XX 

RUNNING    THE    BATTERIES 

THE  midshipmen  gazed  fearfully  toward  the 
island.  What  could  it  mean  ?  Had  the  grass 
on  the  island  been  fired,  and  if  so,  would  the 
fire  reach  dangerous  proportions  before  the 
fleet  had  safely  passed  its  shelter  ?  What  was 
the  meaning  of  the  launch  ahead  of  their 
own  ? 

Suddenly  from  a  point  on  the  far  end  of 
the  island  a  single  flame  of  fire  shot  in  the 
air ;  the  breeze  caught  it,  helping  it  forward 
on  its  career  of  destruction.  Quickly  at  inter- 
mediate points  fires  appeared  to  spring  to  life 
out  of  the  very  ground.  Then,  as  if  to  com- 
plete the  picture  of  failure  in  Phil's  mind,  a 
heavy  reverberation  shook  the  dry  air  and 
the  noise  of  a  screeching  shell  came  to  his 
ears. 

"  It's  the  end,"  gasped  Phil  as  the  search- 
light from  the  fort  appeared  suddenly,  as  if 
288 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         289 

the  monstrous  guns  had  been  awakened  from 
a  sound  sleep  and  opened  this  one  bright, 
piercing  eye. 

The  midshipmen  were  spellbound  with  fear 
as  they  saw  the  beam  of  light  sweep  slowly 
along  the  island,  penetrating  the  thick  grass. 
For  an  insant,  as  the  bright  ray  swept  by,  the 
launch  ahead  stood  out  in  bold  outline. 

"  Ignacio's  launch  !  "  Sydney  exclaimed, 
aghast.  Then  the  enemy  dissolved  into  the 
night.  The  light  moved  over  their  own 
launch  and  then  step  by  step  approached 
the  southern  end  of  the  island  where,  the 
lads  knew,  was  the  column  of  advancing 
gunboats. 

An  exclamation  of  relief  escaped  Phil  as 
he  saw  the  beam  of  light  stop  and  then  sweep 
back  along  the  island.  As  yet,  the  gunboats 
were  undiscovered. 

A  terrible  anxiety  filled  the  lad's  mind. 
By  now  Commander  Hughes  would  know 
the  meaning  of  the  numerous  fires.  Would 
he  turn  back,  believing  the  attempt  to  run 
the  forts  would  be  a  useless  sacrifice  ?  Here 
was  a  situation  from  which  there  could  be  no 
protection.  The  channel  ran  close  to  the 


290  A  UNITED  STATES 

island  ;  the  grass  was  dry  and  burned  like  a 
prairie  fire.  After  the  great  bonfire  had  once 
gained  its  head  no  living  thing  could  remain 
in  the  channel.  In  a  half-hour  the  fire  would 
have  devoured  the  protecting  screen  and  the 
gunboats  would  be  in  the  direct  view  of  the 
fort  guns. 

After  the  first  alarm  gun  the  forts  had 
become  silent,  but  the  lads  watched  the 
search-light  swing  back  toward  the  allied 
fleet.  Then  Phil's  heart  seemed  to  stop 
beating,  then  beat  faster  for  joy  as  the  hull 
of  the  "  Phoenix "  appeared,  standing  out 
ghastly  in  the  glow  of  the  conflagration, 
steaming  boldly  onward ;  the  white  surge 
under  the  bow  showed  the  effort  Commander 
Hughes  was  making  to  take  his  fleet  as  soon 
as  possible  through  the  waters  of  the  danger- 
ous channel.  Then  the  lads  saw  the  terrible 
light  sweep  along  the  length  of  the  following 
column  ;  deliberately  it  moved,  revealing  one 
after  another  of  the  unprotected  gunboats. 

Then  the  sound  of  the  fire  so  close  at  hand 
was  drowned  by  a  sullen  roar  as  the  guns  of 
the  forts  hurled  their  great  shells  toward  the 
daring  gunboats,  hastening  forward  silently 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        291 

to  put  the  flames  of  the  burning  island  be- 
tween them  and  this  irresistible  menace. 

"  If  they  can  get  behind  the  fire  before  it 
gets  too  hot  they'll  be  safe,"  Phil  cried  clutch- 
ing Sydney's  arm  in  his  excitement.  "They 
can't  see  through  the  fire ;  even  the  search- 
light will  be  useless." 

"  How  many  guns  have  you  ?  "  O'Neil  asked 
suddenly.  The  boatswain's  mate  had  in 
silence  steered  after  the  launch  ahead,  urging 
Emmons  time  and  again  to  encourage  his 
men  to  speed  the  gasoline  engine  up  to  its 
limit.  "  We  can't  be  no  use  to  them  gun- 
boats," he  added  in  explanation  ;  "  our  job  is 
to  catch  the  fellows  that  set  this  here  island 
on  fire." 

Phil  withdrew  his  attention  with  difficulty 
from  the  terrible  one-sided  battle  raging 
astern  of  them,  to  answer  the  sailor's  question. 

"  There  are  two  stacks l  and  a  thousand 
rounds  of  ammunition.  Can  we  catch 
them  ?  "  he  questioned  eagerly. 

"  If  we  can't,  we  can  stop  'em  with  twelve 
rifles,"  O'Neil  replied  grimly. 

"I   don't  dare   fire  on  the  launch,"  Phil 

1  Twelve  rifles. 


292  A  UNITED  STATES 

cried.  "  If  we  can  overhaul  them,  that's  an- 
other matter." 

The  spectacle  now  revealed  to  those  on  the 
launch  was  awe  inspiring.  The  forts  had 
developed  into  a  blaze  of  fire,  while  all  about 
the  advancing  gunboats  shells  struck  in- 
cessantly. The  sides  of  the  small  vessels 
had  burst  into  flame  as  they  fired  their  small 
guns  at  the  distant  enemy.  The  high  vegeta- 
tion on  the  island  near  them  burned  with 
ever-increasing  rapidity,  the  flames  mounting 
high  in  the  air  and  lighting  the  surround- 
ings as  bright  as  dawn. 

The  "  Phrenix "  now  had  entered  the 
channel,  and  with  her  battery  silent  cut 
swiftly  through  the  brightly  lighted  water. 
The  air  was  shaken  by  the  noise  of  shell  and 
the  shock  of  explosions. 

The  flame  of  fire  from  the  burning  island 
formed  a  fiery  veil,  through  which  the  eye 
could  not  penetrate,  but  by  the  increased  roar 
of  explosions  and  discharges,  the  lads  felt 
confident  that  the  monitors  were  now  engag- 
ing the  forts. 

Another  and  even  greater  danger  suddenly 
confronted  the  allies.  The  breeze,  which  had 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         293 

been  light,  now  had  increased  and  was  blow- 
ing the  suffocating  smoke  toward  the  channel. 
In  a  short  while  as  the  fire  gained  headway 
the  channel  would  be  enshrouded  in  thick 
smoke  through  which  it  would  be  well-nigh 
impossible  to  see.  If  by  a  fatal  chance  a  gun- 
boat mistook  the  channel  it  would  remain 
hard  and  fast  aground  and  in  the  morning 
would  be  destroyed  by  the  forts. 

The  "Phoenix  "  was  now  close  aboard,  a 
wave  under  her  forefoot  showing  her  burst 
of  speed.  The  air  every  minute  became 
hotter  and  more  stifling  and  those  on  the 
launch  without  protection  would  soon  suffer 
from  the  scorching  heat  of  the  flames. 

A  line  whistled  over  the  launch,  while 
Commander  Hughes'  cool  voice  directed  : 

"  Make  it  fast,  and  keep  under  our  lee. 
We'll  protect  you  from  the  heat." 

Quickly  the  tow-line  was  secured  in  the 
bow  of  the  launch  and  those  on  board  the 
smaller  vessel  were  almost  thrown  from  their 
feet  as  the  launch  was  dragged  forward  by  the 
tautening  of  the  tow-rope. 

Thicker  and  thicker,  and  more  stifling,  be- 
came the  smoke.  The  Americans  wet  their 


294  A  UNITED  STATES 

handkerchiefs,  putting  them  over  their  mouths 
to  enable  them  to  breathe. 

Phil  wondered  how  the  following  gunboats 
were  faring.  The  screech  of  shell  was  no 
longer  heard  near  them,  but  the  reverbera- 
tions of  discharges  still  smote  upon  their  ears. 

Then  after  what  seemed  hours  of  anxious 
waiting  they  emerged  into  the  clear  night. 
Filling  their  lungs  with  the  pure  air  the  lads 
gazed  about  them.  The  island,  a  mass  of 
soaring  flame,  was  behind  them,  and  far  away 
on  the  port  quarter  they  could  see  the  stirring 
spectacle  of  the  monitors  hotly  engaging  the 
forts.  The  city  of  Ku-Ling  had  been  passed  ; 
the  lights  of  the  three  anchored  gunboats  were 
indistinctly  visible  in  the  darkness. 

"  Where's  the  launch  ?  "  Sydney  exclaimed, 
gazing  searchingly  about  him. 

"  She's  back  to  the  '  Albaque '  by  this 
time,"  Phil  replied  disappointedly.  "  If  we 
could  have  only  caught  them  red  handed. 
That  means  that  Ta-Ling  and  Ignacio  have 
both  been  set  free,  for  only  they  would  set  fire 
to  the  island." 

Inside  of  ten  minutes,  Captain  Hughes' 
voice  hailed  them  : 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         295 

"  Let  go  the  line.     We  are  going  to  anchor." 

The  line  was  quickly  cast  off  and  a 
moment  later,  the  lads  were  on  the  deck  of 
the  gunboat,  warmly  congratulating  their 
captain  upon  his  well-earned  success. 

"  Signal  the  monitors  to  join  us  and  be 
ready  to  land  their  sailors,"  the  captain 
ordered  the  signal  officer,  then  turning  to 
Langdon,  "  We  must  take  the  chance  from  this 
side.  Perhaps  we  shall  find  the  bridge  intact." 

The  allied  gunboats  one  after  another 
dropped  their  anchors  near  the  "  Phoenix." 
As  they  passed  the  American  vessel  the  crews 
manned  the  rails  with  lusty  cheers,  which  the 
"  Phoenix's  "  crew  returned  with  a  will. 

"  Here  they  come,"  Sydney  exclaimed  in 
admiration  as  the  two  victorious  and  un- 
harmed monitors  steamed  swiftly  toward  their 
flagship  and  anchored  one  on  each  quarter. 

"  This  is  to  be  only  an  American  expedi- 
tion," Commander  Hughes  declared  to  the 
eager  midshipmen.  "  Four  hundred  men  all 
told  from  the  three  ships." 

Quietly  and  without  confusion  the  Ameri- 
can war-ships  lowered  their  boats  and  em- 
barked their  sailors.  And  inside  of  twenty 


296  A  UNITED  STATES 

minutes  after  anchoring  the  strong  force  had 
started  for  the  shore  to  push  forward  to  the 
relief  of  the  mission. 

Phil  and  Sydney  remained  with  Com- 
mander Hughes,  who  had  elected  to  lead  the 
force  in  person. 

As  the  boats  grounded  upon  the  sandy 
shore  the  sailors  noiselessly  fell  in  ranks 
under  their  officers.  The  American  captain, 
with  Langdon  as  guide,  took  the  lead,  followed 
closely  by  the  two  midshipmen  with  O'Neil 
and  a  dozen  men.  The  main  force  came  along 
a  hundred  yards  behind  them. 

As  yet  all  was  silent.  The  forts  had  ceased 
their  fire,  and  no  sound  came  from  the 
direction  of  the  mission. 

The  force  moved  at  a  lively  pace  over  the 
rough  ground.  The  sailors  had  been 
cautioned  to  move  noiselessly,  and  all  loose 
metal  had  been  carefully  muffled  ;  everything 
depended  upon  the  possibility  of  surprise,  or 
else  upon  gaining  admittance  to  the  com- 
pound of  the  mission  before  the  enemy  had 
gathered  to  the  attack. 

Phil  marched  by  Langdon's  side  ;  his  blood 
warmed  for  adventure,  and  he  hoped  that  this 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         297 

time  he  would  be  able  to  see  and  enjoy  the 
fighting.  During  the  few  minutes  in  the  at- 
tack on  Lien-Chow,  he  had  been  so  much  oc- 
cupied in  forcing  Commander  Ignacio  to 
charge  the  enemy  that  he  had  failed  to  take 
note  of  all  save  the  sound  of  the  bullets  as 
they  had  whistled  past  him.  He  rejoiced  in 
the  coolness  and  tact  shown  on  all  occasions 
by  his  friend  Langdon  ;  his  duty  was  not  to 
fight,  yet  he  was  ever  eager  to  risk  his  life 
wherever  Commander  Hughes  suggested. 

The  Americans  moved  steadily  onward, 
Langdon  time  and  again  leaving  the  narrow 
road  to  circle  a  small  hamlet  with  its  shading 
willow  trees  in  an  endeavor  to  avoid  the  dis- 
covering bark  of  the  always-present  Chinese 
dog.  Fortunately  the  countryside  was  de- 
serted ;  there  were  no  travelers  on  the  road  to 
flee  and  give  warning  of  the  approaching  band 
of  hostiles. 

As  the  distance  to  the  mission  diminished, 
the  sailors  grasped  their  rifles  more  firmly,  ever 
expecting  to  hear  the  discharges  and  see  the 
flashes  of  the  guns  of  an  ambushing  enemy. 

While  the  expedition  was  ascending  a  small 
hill  covered  with  the  graves  of  centuries  of 


298  A  UNITED  STATES 

China's  dead,  Langdon  turned  quietly  to  his 
captain  and  pointed  to  an  indistinct  mass 
coming  in  sight  beyond  the  ridge  ahead  of 
them. 

"  The  mission,"  he  whispered ;  then  he 
stopped  in  his  tracks,  while  those  behind 
pressed  forward  eagerly  to  know  the  cause. 
The  metallic  bark  of  a  Colt  gun  rang  out 
distantly  on  the  quiet  evening  air,  ac- 
companied by  the  duller  rattle  of  musketry. 
The  mission  was  already  being  attacked. 


CHAPTER  XXI 

TO  THE  RESCUE  OF  THE  MISSION 

THE  ominous  sound  of  strife  sent  shivers  up 
and  down  Phil's  spine  ;  the  mission  was  sur- 
rounded by  a  force  far  in  excess  of  the  handful 
guarding  the  helpless  ones  inside  its  wall ;  but 
the  droning  sound  of  the  Colt  gun  was  reassur- 
ing ;  it  showed  that  Lieutenant  Wilson  had 
been  on  the  alert,  and  he  knew  that  officer 
well  enough  to  believe  that  he  would  sacrifice 
himself  and  every  man  with  him  before  the 
women  and  children  were  allowed  to  fall  into 
the  hands  of  the  cruel  Chinese  mob. 

These  thoughts  flashed  through  Phil's  mind 
while  the  sailors  quickened  their  pace  in 
obedience  to  Commander  Hughes'  orders. 

Reaching  the  crest  of  the  hill,  Phil  gazed 
with  his  companions  through  the  darkness 
down  upon  the  valley  between  the  mission 
hill  and  the  one  on  which  they  were  standing. 

"  Don't  deploy  yet,"  Langdon  cautioned  in 
299 


300  A  UNITED  STATES 

a  whisper  to  the  American  commander,  who, 
he  observed,  was  on  the  point  of  forming 
for  the  attack  ;  "  we  must  cross  the  bridge 
over  that  irrigation  ditch  in  the  middle  of  the 
valley  ;  you  can  see  the  shadow  of  willows 
along  it  from  here.  Once  across  that,  all  will 
be  clear  ground  between  us  and  the  mission." 
They  pressed  forward  until  the  pilot  raised 
his  hand  warningly  and  Commander  Hughes 
signaled  a  halt.  Langdon,  motioning  Phil  to 
accompany  him,  left  the  column  and  advanced 
cautiously  along  the  road  toward  the  bridge, 
concealed  from  their  view  by  a  group  of 
willow  trees.  Reaching  the  bridge,  the  pilot 
examined  carefully  the  bamboo  structure, 
then  he  gingerly  placed  his  heavy  foot  on  the 
wooden  planking,  testing  it  with  his  great 
weight  of  over  two  hundred  pounds.  Motion- 
ing Phil  to  remain  where  he  was,  he  then 
walked  cautiously  across  the  bridge  to  test  the 
fastenings  on  the  other  side  of  the  deep  ditch. 
The  midshipmen  saw  his  huge  bulk  dissolve 
in  the  darkness,  but  in  a  few  moments  he 
returned  and  his  discovery  was  calculated  to 
bring  despair  to  the  stoutest  heart.  They 
quickly  joined  the  main  body,  waiting  im- 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         301 

patiently  to  push  forward  to  the  rescue  of 
their  comrades. 

"  Many  of  the  lashings  are  cut  on  the  far 
side,  sir,"  Langdon  exclaimed  in  a  low,  excited 
voice  ;  "  one  or  two  men  at  a  time  can  probably 
cross  in  safety,  but  no  more.  There  is  no 
other  bridge  for  five  miles,  and  that  may  be 
in  a  similar  condition." 

Here  indeed  was  an  effective  stop  to  the 
eager  sailors  in  sight  of  the  battle  between 
their  comrades  and  the  bloodthirsty  enemy. 
The  volume  of  musketry  fire  directed  upon 
the  mission  had  increased  alarmingly,  and  at 
frequent  intervals  came  the  roar  of  artillery. 

"  Breaching  the  wall  or  shelling  the  gate," 
Phil  whispered  in  an  awed  voice  as  his  eyes 
caught  the  flash  of  a  heavy  explosion  at  the 
base  of  the  wall.  His  gaze,  accustomed  to 
the  darkness,  traveled  over  the  ground  across 
the  ditch  ;  it  was  strewn  with  high  mounds, 
graves  of  forgotten  Chinamen,  and  the  lad 
saw  that  the  natural  protection  offered  ex- 
cellent cover  for  the  sailors  when  once  across 
the  shaky  bridge  structure  ;  but,  and  a  great 
fear  rose  in  his  mind,  it  would  also  aid  the 
enemy  in  its  endeavor  to  prevent  the  rescuers 


3o2  A  UNITED  STATES 

from  crossing  the  nearly  destroyed  structure. 
Were  those  mounds  even  now  concealing  a 
large  force  of  Chinese  soldiers,  who,  when  the 
unwary  foreigners  had  rushed  upon  the  totter- 
ing bridge,  and  many  had  fallen  to  the  bottom 
of  the  deep  culvert  fifty  feet  below,  would  open 
fire  upon  their  demoralized  comrades,  cut  off 
from  further  attempts  to  succor  those  inside 
the  mission  compound  ? 

The  sailors  advanced  in  silence  to  the  edge 
of  the  ditch,  and  then  Commander  Hughes, 
grasping  Langdon's  arm,  stepped  boldly  upon 
the  treacherous  planking,  whispering  to  the 
midshipman  hurriedly  : 

"  Stay  on  this  side  and  send  the  men  over 
two  at  a  time." 

As  soon  as  the  midshipman  saw  that  his 
captain  and  the  pilot  were  safely  on  the  other 
side,  he  and  Sydney  silently  selected  two 
sailors  to  follow  ;  then  in  turn  two  more  to 
cross  the  intervening  space.  Slowly  those  on 
the  wrong  side  of  the  bridge  decreased  ;  Phil 
could  see  that  Commander  Hughes  had  de- 
ployed his  men  to  protect  the  bridge  in  case 
of  a  sudden  attack,  while  he  and  Langdon  at 
the  far  side  of  the  bridge  were  receiving  and 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         303 

instructing  the  men  after  they  had  crossed 
the  swaying  structure.  Then  without  warn- 
ing, a  flash  of  flame  shot  out  into  the  night 
from  the  direction  of  the  Chinese  graves,  and 
the  screech  of  hostile  bullets  sounded  loudly 
about  the  foreigners.  Phil,  from  his  position, 
saw  the  figures  beyond  the  bridge  seek  refuge 
behind  a  high  mound,  and  then  the  reverber- 
ation of  the  sailors'  rifles  told  him  that  Com- 
mander Hughes  was  returning  the  fire  in  the 
hopes  of  protecting  from  the  hot  fire  of  the 
enemy  those  still  to  cross  the  ditch. 

The  bridge  was  already  swept  by  a  hail  of 
lead  ;  a  groan  from  a  man  at  his  side  told 
him  that  unless  they  crossed  quickly,  there 
would  be  but  few  remaining  at  all  to  cross 
the  tottering  bamboo.  He  sent  five  men  at  a 
time,  watching  fearfully  until  he  saw  them 
disappear  in  the  gloom ;  then  six  followed  ; 
the  bridge  stood  the  weight,  but  swayed  and 
seemed  on  the  point  of  falling.  There  were 
now  but  four  remaining,  Sydney  and  two 
men,  one  of  whom  lay  sorely  wounded  on  the 
ground  at  his  feet. 

"  Go,  Syd ! "  the  lad  exclaimed  to  his 
brother  midshipman.  The  lad  shook  his 


3°4 


A  UNITED  STATES 


head,  forcing  the  remaining  sailor  before 
him  ;  then  by  mutual  consent  he  and  Phil 
lifted  tenderly  the  wounded  man. 

Carefully  they  picked  their  way  across  the 
bullet-swept,  swaying  structure.  With  their 
burden,  they  reached  the  middle  in  safety  ; 
Phil  shuddered  as  his  eyes  took  one  fleeting 
glance  at  the  fall  below  him.  Amid  the  noise 
of  strife,  the  tearing  of  the  thongs,  holding  the 
bridge  on  the  far  side,  gave  the  two  officers 
no  warning,  and  not  until  the  floor  tilted  to 
an  unnerving  angle  did  they  see  that  they 
must  hasten  if  they  would  not  be  precipitated 
to  the  bottom  of  the  ditch.  The  wounded 
man  was  a  dead  weight  on  their  hands ;  Phil, 
when  he  had  felt  the  bridge  sinking  under 
him,  ran  his  hand  nervously  over  the  face 
of  the  wounded  sailor;  the  drooping  jaw 
told  him  that  he  had  passed  beyond  mortal 
aid. 

"  He's  dead  ;  save  yourself !  "  he  cried  loudly 
to  his  companion  as  he  let  fall  his  burden  and 
sprang  forward. 

By  almost  superhuman  effort,  side  by  side, 
the  whistle  of  the  enemy's  bullets  in  their 
ears,  they  threw  themselves  at  the  rising  earth 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         305 

as  their  platform  with  increasing  speed  sank 
beneath  them. 

Clutching  at  the  crumbling  earth,  digging 
their  fingers  deep  into  the  rank  grass,  while 
the  bridge  behind  them  fell  with  a  great 
crash  into  the  stagnant  and  noisome  water 
fifty  feet  below,  the  two  lads  drew  them- 
selves up,  breathless  but  safe. 

Phil  quickly  found  Commander  Hughes, 
who  had  sought  cover  behind  a  mound 
and  was  waiting  until  his  men  became 
steadied  before  giving  the  order  to  ad- 
vance. 

Langdon  threw  his  great  arms  about  the 
lads  as  they  reached  the  protecting  earth 
mound,  while  the  captain's  voice  struck  en- 
couragingly upon  their  ears. 

"  Splendid  !  "  he  exclaimed. 

"  He  was  dead,  sir,"  Phil  said  sorrowfully. 
"  We  couldn't  have  saved  his  body  and  our- 
selves too." 

Silence  lasted  for  several  minutes,  each  rev- 
erencing the  visit  of  death. 

"  We  must  win  now  !  "  Commander  Hughes 
exclaimed  grimly.  "  And  we  must  repair  that 
bridge  before  we  can  return.  But  come ;  we 


306  A  UNITED  STATES 

must  leave  our  cover  and  drive  these  China- 
men from  our  path." 

Suiting  his  action  to  his  words,  he  blew  a 
shrill  blast  from  his  whistle,  the  signal  on 
the  skirmish  line  for  "  attention." 

"  Forward,"  he  commanded  in  a  voice  that 
sounded  loudly  above  the  din  of  musketry. 

The  sailors  sprang  forward  with  enthusiasm  ; 
the  long  wait  under  the  fire  of  an  unseen 
enemy  had  bottled  up  their  energy.  Each 
sailor's  foremost  desire  was  to  come  to  close 
quarters  with  the  treacherous  Chinamen. 
The  long,  slender  line  moved  upward  toward 
the  mission  crest ;  the  men  taking  cover  as 
they  found  it,  and  shooting  when  their  keen 
eyes  discerned  a  shadowy  form  skulking 
away  before  their  advance  into  the  darker 
shadows. 

The  sharp  rattle  of  the  Colt  guns  told  the 
advancing  men  that  the  mission  was  stub- 
bornly resisting. 

Phil  moved  incessantly  along  the  advanc- 
ing skirmish  line,  carrying  orders  from  his 
captain  to  the  flank  companies  ;  the  alarming 
song  of  the  bullets  ever  in  his  ears. 

"  Press  forward,  keeping  the  guide  on  the 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        307 

center ! "  had  been  Commander  Hughes' 
simple  instructions,  and  faithfully  were  they 
being  carried  out  by  the  determined  men. 
The  mission  loomed  through  the  darkness 
scarce  five  hundred  yards  distant;  the  tongues 
of  flame  from  its  wall  answered  by  cries  of 
rage  and  defiance  from  the  enemy's  position 
inspired  the  rescuing  sailors  to  renewed  ex- 
ertions to  reach  the  protecting  compound. 
The  Chinese  who  had  opened  fire  upon  the 
Americans  during  the  passage  across  the  ill- 
fated  bridge  had  stolen  away  toward  the 
shadowy  flanks ;  between  the  advancing 
sailors  and  their  objective  there  were  now  no 
answering  shots.  Then  suddenly  the  battery 
which  had  been  hurling  shell  at  the  stone 
wall  of  the  mission  turned  its  fierce  attention 
upon  the  unprotected  rescuers. 

"  Seek  cover  !  "  Commander  Hughes  or- 
dered ;  and  the  men  huddled  together  in 
groups,  thankful  for  the  homes  of  the  dead, 
which  furnished  such  perfect  protection  from 
the  well-directed  fire  of  grape  and  canister 
from  the  Chinese  artillery,  now  giving  its 
undivided  attention  to  the  approaching  re- 
enforcements. 


308  A  UNITED  STATES 

Commander  Hughes  saw  that  a  new  danger 
confronted  the  success  of  his  undertaking; 
those  in  the  mission  as  yet  could  not  know 
of  the  close  proximity  of  their  friends,  and 
might  they  not  in  their  vigorous  defense  turn 
the  muzzles  of  their  Colt  guns  against  them  ? 
The  thought  was  fearful  to  contemplate. 

"  Mr.  Perry,"  he  ordered  in  a  strained  voice, 
"those  guns,"  pointing  to  the  hill  on  the 
right  from  which  long  tongues  of  flame  darted 
momentarily,  "  must  be  silenced.  We  dare 
not  advance  further  under  their  murderous 
fire.  Take  a  hundred  men  and  flank  them." 

Phil  gasped  at  the  suddenness  of  the  order, 
thanking  his  captain  in  his  heart  for  his  con- 
fidence in  his  ability  to  do  what  seemed  to 
the  lad  impossible. 

"  Langdon  will  show  you  the  way,"  Com- 
mander Hughes  ordered  quickly  ;  "  don't  ex- 
pose your  men  to  our  own  fire.  I  shall  en- 
deavor to  get  word  to  the  mission.  Mr.  Mon- 
roe will  remain  with  me." 

As  silently  as  possible  Phil  selected  those 
to  go  with  him,  among  them  being  his  old 
friend  O'Neil,  leading  them  on  a  run  back  to- 
ward the  ditch  which  had  been  crossed 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         309 

scarcely  a  quarter  of  an  hour  before  ;  then  he 
gathered  the  men  about  him  to  explain  the 
dangerous  work  for  which  they  had  been 
chosen. 

"  We  shall  get  on  the  flank  of  the  artillery, 
and  when  the  order  is  given  to  advance  we 
must  gain  a  position  from  which  we  can 
charge  directly  upon  the  battery.  The  lives 
of  all  depend  upon  our  success." 

The  men  in  silence  accepted  the  conditions, 
and  in  another  minute  Langdon  was  leading 
the  small  band  along  the  deep  ditch  in  the 
shadow  of  the  bordering  trees.  After  travers- 
ing a  few  hundred  yards  the  pilot  paused 
at  a  road  crossing  the  one  they  were  on. 

"  This  is  the  road  we  took  the  other  night," 
Langdon  whispered  ;  "  we  shall  follow  it  for 
a  short  distance  and  then  we  shall  be  on  the 
flank  and  a  little  in  rear  of  the  Chinese 
position." 

The  command  moved  cautiously  forward 
until  the  pilot  stopped  and  the  midshipman 
knew  that  the  position  desired  had  been 
reached.  Deploying  his  men  quietly,  he 
bade  them  advance  silently  toward  the 
pandemonium  of  the  Chinese  attackers  ahead 


3io  A  UNITED  STATES 

of  them.  While  he  moved  forward  up  the 
gentle  rise  of  the  land  he  could  see  distinctly 
the  bright  flashes  from  the  enemy's  guns,  but 
his  own  men  were  as  yet  undiscovered  and  pro- 
tected by  the  intervening  crest  of  the  low  hill 
up  which  they  were  doggedly  marching.  He 
glanced  fearfully  to  his  left  to  see  how  Com- 
mander Hughes  and  his  men  were  faring ; 
that  part  of  the  battle-ground  was  in  dark- 
ness;  the  Chinese  seemed  now  too  much 
absorbed  in  their  desire  to  destroy  the  mis- 
sion to  give  thought  to  the  handful  of  sailors 
known  to  have  crossed  the  bridge  before  it 
collapsed  into  the  ditch  below. 

Steadily  the  flanking  party  advanced  to- 
ward the  coveted  position  over  the  uneven 
ground,  the  men  casting  apprehensive  glances 
to  left  and  right,  their  rifles  held  ready  for 
instant  conflict. 

While  Phil's  attention  was  absorbed  by  the 
stirring  sight  ahead  of  him,  against  which  he 
would  in  but  a  few  minutes  launch  his  hun- 
dred men  in  what  seemed  a  forlorn  hope,  to 
take  and  silence  the  formidable  battery  now 
exerting  itself  to  the  utmost  to  breach  the 
wall  of  the  compound,  a  terrifying  danger 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         311 

loomed  before  him.  The  sailors  in  the  com- 
pound were  delivering  a  murderous  fire  from 
their  Colt  guns,  directed  at  the  troublesome 
artillery,  but  many  of  the  bullets  were  falling 
alarmingly  close  to  the  flanking  force.  The 
midshipman  realized  that  he  must  go  no 
farther  ;  with  the  battery  scarce  three  hun- 
dred yards  in  his  front  and  his  men  as  yet 
undiscovered  he  must  call  a  halt  and  remain 
without  that  awful  zone  of  fire  until  their 
friends  on  the  mission  wall  had  been  ap- 
prised of  his  intentions  by  Commander 
Hughes. 

The  word  was  passed  quietly  by  word  of 
mouth  along  the  line,  and  the  sailors,  keyed 
to  the  highest  pitch  of  excitement,  threw 
themselves  face  downward  on  the  ground, 
while  less  than  a  hundred  yards  ahead  of 
them  a  storm  of  bullets  swept  every  inch  of 
the  soil. 

"  It  looks  black,"  Langdon  breathed  in  the 
grass  close  to  Phil's  ear  as  they  both  were 
racked  by  ominous  foreboding  while  watching 
the  sweep  of  the  devastating  stream  of  bullets  ; 
"  they  haven't  got  word  to  the  mission  yet 
that  we  are  here ;  if  those  guns  are  pointed 


3i2  A  UNITED  STATES 

ten  degrees  further  this  way,  it  will  be  all  up 
with  us.  See,"  he  added  pointing  in  the 
direction  of  the  active  artillery,  "  those  guns 
are  behind  intrenchments,  for  otherwise  the 
Chinese  could  not  have  stood  such  a  murder- 
ous fire  for  a  minute.  It's  withering,"  he 
gasped  with  a  shudder,  while  the  singing  of 
bullets  redoubled,  seeming  to  be  slowly  draw- 
ing their  deadly  zone  nearer  to  encompass  the 
crouching  sailors. 

Phil  cast  his  anxious  eyes  often  on  the  dark 
slope  of  the  mission  hill  where  he  had  left  the 
main  force  under  Commander  Hughes,  but  the 
night  was  too  dark  for  him  to  discover  what 
was  going  forward.  There  was  nothing  for 
him  to  do  save  wait  with  what  patience  he 
could  muster.  To  rush  ahead  could  mean 
but  annihilation  at  the  hands  of  his  own 
guns.  He  must  not  open  fire  upon  the 
battery,  so  close  that  the  smell  of  burning 
powder  was  rank  in  his  nostrils ;  to  do  so 
might  draw  the  fire  of  the  Colt  guns,  for  how 
could  the  mission  know  that  help  was  so  near 
at  hand  ? 

After  what  seemed  an  eternity  to  the  anx- 
ious men,  the  fire  of  the  Colt  guns  suddenly 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         313 

ceased,  while  from  the  Chinese  position,  be- 
lieving no  doubt  that  their  enemy  was  weak- 
ening, a  great  volume  of  musketry  fire  added 
its  roar  to  that  of  the  big  guns.  Phil  felt 
the  moment  had  come  ;  the  cessation  of  the 
rhythmical  discharges  of  the  Colt  guns  must 
be  the  result  of  communication  between  Com- 
mander Hughes  and  those  defending  the  com- 
pound. He  glanced  anxiously  through  the 
night  toward  the  hidden  enemy,  while  he  was 
at  that  moment  framing  the  words  which 
would  send  his  hundred  men  in  a  mad  dash 
against  an  intrenched  foe,  counting  their 
numbers  by  the  thousands. 


CHAPTER  XXII 

THE    LAST    CHARGE 

WITH  the  order  to  charge  trembling  on  his 
lips,  Phil  hesitated.  What  did  the  silence 
of  the  mission  tell  him?  Had  Commander 
Hughes  succeeded  in  gaining  an  entrance, 
and  had  the  mission  ceased  its  fire  by  his 
order  to  allow  the  midshipman's  party  to 
flank  the  battery  so  intent  upon  breaching 
the  wall  through  which  the  savage  horde 
would  surge  into  the  enclosure,  butchering 
every  Christian  found  there? 

He  turned  to  O'Neil,  lying  quietly  beside 
him  in  the  high  grass.  Through  many  ad- 
ventures the  lad  had  become  thoroughly  con- 
vinced of  the  sailor's  good  and  calm  judgment. 
He  turned  to  him  now,  a  grave  fear  in  his 
mind  that  precious  moments  were  slipping 
away,  yet  if  he  made  a  mistake  and  that 
withering  fire  should  again  be  loosened,  all 
would  indeed  be  lost. 

314 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        315 

"  Are  they  waiting  to  allow  us  to  advance?  " 
he  whispered,  half  rising  to  his  feet. 

"  Wait,"  O'Neil  cautioned  ;  "if  they  know 
we're  here  they'll  signal.  See ! "  he  added, 
his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  mission. 

Even  as  he  spoke,  a  bright  light  flamed 
suddenly  above  the  wall,  its  appearance 
awakening  the  enemy  to  renewed  action. 

Each  of  the  hundred  sailors  turned  his  eyes 
expectantly  toward  the  mission.  The  light 
burned  brightly  and  then  flickered  regularly 
and  evenly  for  a  few  seconds,  again  burning 
steadily. 

11  You're  right ;  signal ! "  Phil  exclaimed, 
straining  his  eyes  to  read  the  message  which 
he  knew  would  be  spelled  out  by  that  flash- 
ing light. 

Slowly,  painfully  the  bright  point  of  light 
appeared  and  disappeared ;  all  who  knew  the 
navy  code  were  reading,  with  muscles  tense 
and  breath  held  tight,  the  encouraging  words 
flashing  to  them  from  across  the  intervening 
darkness  : 

"  We  are  holding  our  fire." 

There  was  small  need  to  give  the  order  to 
charge  ;  every  sailor  in  that  impatient  line  in 


316  A  UNITED  STATES 

but  a  moment  knew  that  those  in  the  mis- 
sion were  waiting  and  trusting  to  them  for 
deliverance  from  the  murderous  fire  of  the 
Chinese  artillery. 

The  lad  rose  to  his  feet,  grasping  his  re- 
volver firmly,  and  as  one  man  the  sailors 
swept  forward.  Three  hundred  yards  ahead 
four  pieces  of  modern  artillery  were  battering 
away  at  the  concrete  wall  of  the  mission, 
while  dusky  figures,  believing  their  foe  had 
been  silenced,  swarmed  boldly  over  the 
grassy  slopes  behind  and  on  either  side 
of  the  guns.  So  noiselessly  did  Phil's  men 
advance  that  the  enemy  were  even  now 
ignorant  of  the  presence  of  a  foe  so  near  at 
hand. 

"  When  we  charge,"  Langdon  whispered 
breathlessly,  "  order  the  men  to  yell ;  the 
Chinese  are  as  much  afraid  of  noise  as  they 
are  of  bullets." 

Phil  had  always  trained  his  men  in  their 
drills  to  charge  cheering.  Now  the  time  had 
arrived ;  in  the  next  hundred  yards  the  men 
would  surely  be  exposed  to  the  view  and  fire 
of  their  enemy  ;  concealment  then  would  not 
be  an  advantage ;  the  Chinese  should  see  and 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        317 

hear  the  danger  in  order  to  have  it  strike  ter- 
ror to  their  hearts. 

Raising  his  whistle  to  his  lips,  Phil  blew  a 
shrill  blast. 

"  Open  fire  I  "  he  shouted  at  the  top  of  his 
lungs,  "  and  charge,  men,  cheering ! "  he 
added,  raising  his  voice  in  an  excited  shout 
as  he  sprang  forward,  leading  the  way  toward 
the  now  startled  enemy. 

The  sailor  line,  an  advancing  sheet  of  flame, 
charged  straight  for  the  crest  of  the  hill  in 
front.  The  Chinese,  occupied  in  their  attack 
on  the  mission,  had  never  dreamed  that  the 
small  body  of  men  believed  to  have  crossed 
the  bridge  would  dare  attack  a  position  as 
impregnable  as  theirs.  Then  out  of  the  night, 
without  warning,  what  seemed  to  their  super- 
stitious minds  a  thousand  yelling  demons 
came  as  lightning  towards  them.  If  these 
were  the  foreigners  that  had  crossed  the 
bridge  a  miracle  had  been  wrought  and  their 
number  increased  a  hundredfold ;  their 
simple  minds  were  ready  to  believe  that  the 
despised  foreign  devils  had  taken  wings  and 
flown  across  the  unbridged  ditch.  An  un- 
reasonable terror  seized  the  surprised  Orien- 


3i8  A  UNITED  STATES 

tals;  some  threw  down  their  guns  and  de- 
serted precipitously,  while  others  showed  their 
military  training  in  turning  gallantly  and 
firing  fiercely  at  the  rapidly  approaching  at- 
tackers ;  some  even  made  a  vain  effort  to  turn 
the  artillery  in  the  direction  of  the  unlooked- 
for  attack,  but  the  charging  Americans  were 
amongst  them  before  a  single  gun  could  be 
moved. 

His  revolver  tightly  gripped,  Phil  fired 
blindly  at  the  shadowy  forms  now  but  a  few 
yards  from  him  ;  the  bright  flashes  of  his 
shots  revealing  the  terror  in  his  victims'  faces 
as  they  gave  way  before  him,  and  then 
screaming  with  pain  and  an  unconquerable 
fear,  melted  into  the  night.  Deafeningly  in 
his  ears  rang  the  discharges  of  both  the  pilot's 
and  O'Neil's  revolvers,  unerringly  mowing 
down  those  who  dared  stand  in  their  path, 
while  on  either  side  he  saw  his  men  fire  vol- 
ley after  volley  into  the  mass  of  totally  demora- 
lized Asiatics.  Without  leaders  to  stay  them, 
their  wild  terror  had  put  wings  to  their  feet, 
and  in  but  a  few  minutes  the  Americans  found 
themselves  in  undisputed  possession  of  the  for- 
tified position  held  so  recently  by  their  enemy. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         319 

Phil  could  hardly  believe  his  eyes ;  he 
glanced  joyfully  about  him  at  the  four  guns 
and  his  exultant  men  crowding  into  the 
enemy's  deserted  trenches.  O'Neil's  cool 
voice  soon  brought  him  to  a  realization  of  his 
duty  ;  his  thoughts  had  been  full  of  his  easily- 
won  victory  against  such  a  formidable  foe. 

"  We  must  hold  this  hill,"  the  sailor  ex- 
claimed ;  "  if  the  Chinese  find  out  how  few 
men  we  have  they'll  try  to  retake  it." 

"  You're  right,  O'Neil,"  he  answered 
quickly ;  "  but  I  must  send  word  to  Com- 
mander Hughes.  I'll  stay  here  while  you, 
Langdon,  take  a  dozen  men  and  give  the  cap- 
tain the  news  ;  he  may  have  some  new  move 
in  mind." 

Langdon  readily  agreed,  and  after  a  hand- 
clasp with  the  midshipman,  the  pilot  led  his 
handful  of  men  back  toward  the  main  Amer- 
ican force. 

After  his  friend  had  gone,  Phil,  with  his 
boatswain's  mate,  looked  carefully  over  the 
situation.  He  saw  with  joy  that  the  enemy 
had  left  a  great  store  of  ammunition  for  the 
artillery  pieces,  and  that  the  guns  were 
similar  to  those  his  men  used  for  drill  on 


32o  A  UNITED  STATES 

board  ship.  He  started  his  men  to  work  with  a 
will  and  in  a  few  minutes  they  had  turned 
the  guns'  muzzles  away  from  the  mission  and 
directed  them  toward  the  line  of  the  enemy's 
flight. 

"  This  is  the  very  thing,  sir,"  O'Neil  cried, 
showing  the  midshipman  a  shell  which  he 
recognized  at  once  as  canister ;  "  they  can't 
do  much  against  us  if  we  can  find  plenty  of 
that  kind." 

Phil  immediately  ordered  a  search,  with  the 
result  that  nearly  half  of  all  the  ammunition 
boxes  were  found  to  contain  these  deadly 
cartridges. 

Scarcely  had  the  survey  been  completed 
when  the  Americans  found  themselves  sud- 
denly subjected  to  a  heavy  musketry  fire 
from  the  direction  taken  by  the  fleeing 
enemy  ;  the  lad  could  see  distinctly  shadowy 
forms  darting  here  and  there  from  behind  the 
mound-like  graves,  and  each  moment  the 
figures  drew  closer  and  seemed  bolder  ;  Phil 
realized  that  their  enemy  had  been  rallied  in 
its  precipitous  retreat  by  a  trusted  leader  and 
now  the  reassured  Chinese  were  advancing 
intent  upon  recapturing  the  guns  which  they 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        321 

had  abandoned  in  their  demoralized  stampede. 
A  few  of  his  men  had  already  opened  fire 
upon  the  misty  forms,  but  the  lad  saw  at  once 
that  the  battery  could  not  be  saved  by  the 
weak  fire  of  less  than  a  hundred  rifles. 

"  Cease  firing  !  "  he  shouted  above  the  in- 
creasing din  of  battle.  "  To  the  guns,  men  ; 
load  with  canister  !  " 

Obediently  the  sailors  dropped  their  rifles 
and  took  their  stations  at  the  four  guns,  the 
leading  men,  petty  officers,  instructing  those 
under  them  as  coolly  as  if  they  were  but 
drilling  recruits  on  board  ship.  Phil  heard 
the  metallic  rasping  of  the  shells  as  they  were 
loaded  into  the  breeches  of  the  guns  and  the 
silvery  ring  of  the  breech  plugs  thrown 
quickly  shut.  The  guns'  crews  stood  silently 
ready,  waiting  for  the  word  from  their  young 
leader. 

Controlling  his  excitement,  the  lad  delayed 
the  expectant  word  to  open  fire  ;  the  Chinese, 
in  their  eagerness  to  discredit  the  bravery  of 
their  enemy,  mistook  the  silence  to  mean  that 
the  foreigners  had  retreated  and  came  boldly 
on,  shouting  their  fanatical  war-songs  and  ex- 
posing their  numbers  to  the  view  of  the 


322  A  UNITED  STATES 

Americans  waiting  to  open  upon  them  with 
their  own  artillery.  The  sailors  trained  their 
artillery  pieces  in  silence,  keeping  the  muzzles 
pointed  in  the  direction  of  the  reckless  horde 
of  delirious  Chinamen. 

Then  swiftly  at  a  word  from  the  midship- 
man the  four  guns  in  unison  roared  out  a 
challenge,  leaving  death  and  destruction  in 
the  path  of  the  hundreds  of  bullets  fired  at 
once  from  the  bores  of  the  guns.  Again  the 
reverberation  shook  the  hilltop  and  again 
the  leaden  hail  poured  into  the  now  dis- 
ordered ranks  of  the  advancing  fanatics.  As 
rapidly  as  if  the  guns'  crews  were  at  target 
practice,  the  four  guns  spoke,  each  time  cut- 
ting deep  gaps  in  the  enemy's  line.  After  a 
feeble  attempt  to  rally  the  disordered  legions, 
the  Chinese  leaders  turned  and  fled,  followed 
by  the  already  stampeded  soldiers. 

Having  assured  himself  that  this  time  the 
enemy  would  not  be  likely  to  return,  Phil 
gave  the  order  to  cease  firing  and  then  turned 
his  eyes  expectantly  toward  the  mission,  real- 
izing that  its  inmates  had  seen  the  attack 
and  were  doubtless  anxious  of  the  final  out- 
come. However,  in  but  a  few  minutes  the 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         323 

signal-light  appeared  and  flashed  out  a  mes- 
sage which  showed  the  boy  that  his  captain 
had  understood  that  he  had  gallantly  repulsed 
the  sudden  attack  : 

"  Am  coming  to  join  you." 

Ten  minutes  later  Commander  Hughes, 
with  a  hundred  more  men  at  his  back,  stood 
beside  Phil  in  the  enemy's  trenches  ;  his  cap- 
tain was  unstinting  in  his  praises,  while  Syd- 
ney, who  had  accompanied  him,  hugged  his 
chum  delightedly ;  Langdon  stood  by  an 
amused  and  pleased  spectator. 

"  You've  taught  the  enemy  a  lesson  which 
they  will  not  soon  forget,"  the  American 
captain  exclaimed,  "  and  they  will  not  be 
likely  to  wish  to  try  conclusions  with  us  again 
to-night,  but  at  the  same  time  we  cannot  af- 
ford to  treat  the  Chinese  with  too  much  scorn." 

Phil  quickly  explained  the  find  of  canister, 
and  the  captain,  much  to  O'Neil's  embarrass- 
ment, called  him  up  before  the  assembled 
sailors  and  complimented  him  upon  his  ready 
resource. 

"  It's  men  like  you,  O'Neil,"  he  said  warmly, 
"  that  make  an  expedition  of  this  kind  pos- 
sible." 


324  A  UNITED  STATES 

O'Neil  even  in  the  darkness  grinned  sheep- 
ishly, as  if  he  had  been  discovered  doing 
something  for  which  he  ought  to  have  been 
ashamed. 

Great  was  the  rejoicing  in  the  mission  at 
the  unlooked-for  deliverance,  and  upon  Com- 
mander Hughes'  order  the  relieved  non-com- 
batants quietly  packed  up  their  most  treas- 
ured belongings,  ready  to  be  conveyed  through 
the  enemy's  country  to  the  protection  of  the 
war-ships. 

It  being  found  impossible  to  save  the  cap- 
tured guns,  Phil,  with  O'Neil's  aid,  deftly 
dismantled  the  breech  mechanisms  and,  se- 
curing a  heavy  axe  from  the  mission,  ren- 
dered quite  useless  the  delicately  fitting 
parts,  giving  the  sailors  the  damaged  pieces 
to  carry  to  the  ditch  where  they  would  be 
thrown  into  the  stagnant  water  at  the  bot- 
tom. 

The  missionaries,  with  tears  in  their  eyes, 
bid  farewell  to  their  home,  expecting  that 
after  the  sailors  had  gone,  the  Chinese 
would  return  and  send  up  in  smoke  that 
spacious  monument  to  their  earnest  labors  in 
China.  The  party  was  obliged  to  make  a  wide 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        325 

detour  to  reach  a  bridge  some  miles  from  the 
one  crossed  earlier  in  the  night. 

Dawn  was  breaking  when  the  commander 
led  his  victorious  men  with  the  rescued 
missionaries  safely  to  the  bank  of  the  river, 
where  small  boats  were  waiting  to  trans- 
port them  to  the  protection  of  the  American 
war-ships.  As  the  last  of  the  refugees  dis- 
embarked at  the  gangway  of  the  "  Phoenix," 
the  sun  peeped  out  from  behind  the  distant 
hills. 

Phil  and  Sydney  longed  for  a  few  hours' 
sleep,  but  they  well  knew  that  if  they  suc- 
cumbed to  this  desire  they  might  miss  alto- 
gether what  they  felt  would  be  the  closing 
scenes  in  the  drama. 

By  signal,  Commander  Hughes  at  once 
ordered  that  all  non-combatants  be  sent  on 
board  the  gunboats,  and  that  the  monitors 
hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  get  under  way 
within  the  hour. 

Phil's  hopes  ran  high  as  he  and  Sydney 
made  themselves  presentable  after  their  stren- 
uous night's  experience. 

After  a  hasty  breakfast  the  lads  appeared 
on  deck.  There  they  found  their  captain  be- 


326  A  UNITED  STATES 

fore  them,  gazing  closely  through  his  binocu- 
lars at  the  distant  forts. 

At  the  gangway  three  cutters  were  lying, 
and  the  landing  force  of  the  "  Phoenix,"  rifles 
in  hand,  were  standing  in  ranks  ready  to 
embark. 

"  March  the  men  into  the  boats,  Wilson," 
Commander  Hughes  ordered  suddenly,  put- 
ting his  binoculars  in  their  leather  case.  Then 
as  he  turned  to  go  below  to  his  cabin,  "  Mr. 
Perry,  you  and  Mr.  Monroe  report  to  Mr. 
Wilson." 

"Where  are  we  going?"  Phil  asked  ex- 
citedly as  he  saluted  the  lieutenant. 

"  To  the  '  Monterey,'  "  Lieutenant  Wilson 
answered,  "  but  that's  as  far  as  I  know.  The 
captain  must  expect  hot  work  ;  each  of  my 
men  is  ordered  to  take  two  hundred  rounds  of 
ammunition." 

"  We're  going  to  storm  the  walled  city," 
Sydney  exclaimed.  "  There's  no  sign  of  sub- 
mission on  either  the  forts  or  the  viceroy's 
yamen.  The  captain  means  to  rescue  the  four 
sailors  and  carry  out  his  threats  upon  Ku- 
Ling." 

Phil's  pulses   beat   faster   at   the    thought. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         327 

Now  war  had  been  declared,  and  his  captain 
believed  in  striking  promptly  before  his  enemy 
had  time  to  gather  his  forces  ! 

Quickly  the  sailors  were  embarked  in  the 
waiting  boats,  and  as  Commander  Hughes, 
accompanied  by  Langdon,  took  his  place  in 
the  stern  of  the  leading  cutter,  the  oars  were 
thrust  out  through  the  rowlocks  and  the  boats 
pulled  with  swift  strokes  alongside  the  monitor, 
anchored  only  a  few  hundred  yards  down 
the  river  from  the  "  Phoenix." 

"  Get  under  way,  Barnes,"  Commander 
Hughes  ordered  as  he  stepped  on  board  the 
"  Monterey,"  "  and  signal  the*  Monadnock  '  to 
follow  us.  Bend  on  the  signal  to  her  to 
'  clear  ship  for  action ' ;  the  gunboats  will 
remain  here  out  of  range  of  the  fort  guns." 

The  stirring  call  of  the  bugles  sounded 
with  its  nerve-tingling  ring  throughout  the 
ship,  repeated  in  a  few  minutes  by  the 
"  Monadnock,"  and  with  a  cheer  of  delight  the 
crews  disappeared  below  decks  to  their  stations 
for  battle. 

Inside  of  fifteen  minutes  all  was  in  readi- 
ness, and  the  heavy  anchors  were  lifted  from 
the  bottom  of  the  river. 


328  A  UNITED  STATES 

With  all  the  men  not  at  gun  stations  be- 
hind the  thick  armor  of  the  small  river  battle- 
ships, the  "  Monterey  "  gracefully  turned 
around  close  to  the  fleet  of  anchored  gunboats. 
Phil's  nerves  were  atingle  as  he  heard  the  ad- 
miring cheers  of  the  allies  float  to  them 
across  the  water.  Then  the  "  Monterey," 
her  huge  turret  guns  loaded  and  ready  to 
open  the  battle,  and  followed  closely  by 
her  consort,  steamed  swiftly  toward  the  hostile 
forts. 

"  Break  the  battle  flags,"  Commander 
Hughes  ordered  in  his  calm  voice,  standing 
on  the  bridge  beside  the  captain  of  the 
"  Monterey,"  while  Phil,  Sydney  and  Lang- 
don,  in  the  lee  of  the  conning-tower,  gazed, 
consumed  with  excitement,  upon  the  forts, 
toward  which  the  two  big  twelve-inch  guns 
were  pointing.  Phil  saw  on  the  flagstaff 
at  the  top  of  the  emplacement  the  proud 
yellow  banner  of  China,  with  its  monster 
dragon  endeavoring  to  swallow  a  red  ball, 
just  beyond  the  reach  of  its  fiery  nos- 
trils. 

"  O'Neil  is  in  the  turret,"  Sydney  exclaimed 
to  Phil  at  his  side.  "  He  will  fire  one  of  the 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         329 

guns.  I  wonder  if  he  can  still  shoot  the  way 
he  did  at  our  record  target  practice  when  you 
had  the  after  turret." 

"  He's  as  steady  as  a  rock,"  Phil  replied 
enthusiastically.  "  I'll  wager  that  every  one 
of  his  shots  will  go  true.  He  was  the  best 
gun-pointer  on  the  '  Connecticut.'  " 

"  What's  the  range  ?  "  Commander  Hughes 
inquired,  a  shade  of  excitement  creeping  into 
his  voice. 

"  Three  thousand  yards,  sir,"  the  officer  at 
the  range-finder  called  out  hoarsely. 

"  Fire  one  shot  at  the  nearest  gun  emplace- 
ment," the  American  commander  ordered  the 
"  Monterey's  "  captain,  "  and  signal  the  '  Mo- 
nadnock '  to  sheer  up  abreast  us  and  when 
the  fort  replies  swing  around  and  open  with 
her  broadside." 

Phil  saw  the  alert  signalmen  swiftly  signal 
with  their  small  hand  flags  the  message  to 
their  consort,  and  then  immediately  after- 
ward the  "  Monad  nock,"  which  had  been 
steaming  in  the  "Monterey's"  wake,  swung 
her  bow  in  toward  the  city  of  Ku-Ling,  which 
the  two  vessels  were  rapidly  passing.  The 
high  wall  was  thronged  with  Chinamen ; 


330  A  UNITED  STATES 

their  curiosity  having  overcome  their  fear  of 
the  terrible  foreign  war-ships. 

The  next  second  a  heavy  roar  filled  the  air 
and  the  forts  disappeared  completely  from 
view  in  the  brownish  vapor  from  the  turret 
gun. 

Grasping  the  rail  tightly  in  his  excitement, 
his  heart  beating  like  a  trip-hammer,  Phil 
gazed  through  the  quickly  dissolving  smoke. 
The  sonorous  screech  of  the  shell  in  his  ears, 
he  strained  his  eyes  to  pick  up  the  huge 
projectile,  travelling  nearly  a  half  a  mile  a 
second  toward  the  hostile  fort. 

Grasping  the  binoculars  from  Langdon's 
hand,  he  raised  them  swiftly  to  his  eyes.  A 
black  dot  appeared,  upon  which  the  lad 
focused  his  attention,  as  if  to  lose  it  might 
mean  a  miss.  He  saw  the  bird-like  bolt  rise 
high  above  the  white  stone  emplacements, 
and  knew  on  the  instant,  from  his  long  ex- 
perience watching  just  such  shells  at  the 
peaceful  drill  of  target  practice,  that  the  mes- 
senger of  destruction,  filled  with  an  explosive 
that  would  scatter  death  and  consternation  in 
its  path,  would  go  true  to  its  aim. 

"  Right  on  top  of  the  emplacement !  "  he 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         331 

shouted  excitedly  a  half  second  before  a 
liquid  fire  flashed  on  the  parapet  of  the  forts, 
while  tons  of  earth  and  rock  were  scattered  in 
every  direction. 


CHAPTER  XXIII 

THE    FORTS    SURRENDER 

WHILE  Phil  had  been  gazing  spellbound 
at  the  half  ton  shell,  fired  by  O'Neil  with 
such  startling  effect,  Sydney  was  watching 
excitedly  a  small  squad  of  Chinese  soldiers 
toiling  painfully  upward  from  the  gun  em- 
placements. 

When  the  roar  of  discharge  shook  the  air 
he  had  seen  these  small  black  figures  throw 
themselves  behind  the  jutting  rocks,  and 
after  the  missile  had  exploded  upon  the 
parapets  of  the  forts,  hurling  by  its  tre- 
mendous force  a  large  gun  backward  from  its  ] 
substantial  mountings,  these  persistent  dots  of 
men  again  appeared  to  view,  creeping  steadily 
upward.  What  did  it  mean  ?  Were  these 
men  deserting  their  guns? 

Sydney  heard  his  captain  give  the  order  to 
reload,  and   knew   that  within    the    minute 
332 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        333 

another  shell  would  be  speeding  toward  the 
enemy.  The  foremost  Chinaman  had  now 
reached  the  foot  of  the  great  flagstaff,  and  the 
next  second,  to  the  lad's  delight,  he  saw  the 
yellow  banner  flutter  slowly  to  the  ground. 

"  They  are  striking  their  colors,"  he  cried 
excitedly. 

All  eyes  turned  in  glad  surprise  toward  the 
flagstaff  to  the  right  of  and  above  the  gun 
emplacements. 

"  A  white  flag  !  "  Phil  gasped,  a  tinge  of  dis- 
appointment in  his  voice,  as  he  saw  the  ban- 
ner of  submission  mount  the  flagpole  quickly. 
Now  all  was  over,  and  he  had  seen  but  one 
shot  fired. 

"  Cease  firing ! "  Commander  Hughes 
hastily  ordered,  fearing  that  the  next  shot 
might,  with  the  white  flag  displayed  on  the 
forts,  cause  the  Chinese  to  think  that  the 
monitor  had  intentionally  disregarded  the 
sanctity  of  the  emblem,  thus  precipitating  an 
engagement  with  the  forts  which  the  Ameri- 
can officer  was  only  too  glad  to  avoid. 

The  bugles  sounded  the  retreat  from  firing, 
and  disappointed  faces  soon  appeared  from 
the  turrets,  to  gaze  out  upon  the  unwelcome 


334  A  UNITED  STATES 

white  flag  flaunting  in  the  light  morning 
breeze. 

"  Follow  us,"  had  been  the  signal  to  the 
"  Monadnock,"  and  the  two  victorious  vessels, 
in  column,  made  a  graceful  turn  and  then 
steamed  up  stream  toward  the  renegade  gun- 
boats anchored  off  Ku-Ling. 

"  What  does  it  mean  ?  "  Phil  breathed  ex- 
citedly to  Langdon. 

"  Something  has  happened,"  Langdon  ex- 
claimed, shaking  his  head  in  mystery. 

"  The  viceroy's  now  going  to  send  a  flag  of 
truce  to  us,"  Sydney  suggested  ;  "  and  I  hope 
Ta-Ling  comes  with  it.  I'd  certainly  like  to 
see  Phil  hand  him  back  the  pigtail  he  bor- 
rowed." 

Despite  the  seriousness  of  the  situation  all 
laughed  at  the  thought  of  the  discomfited 
Chinaman  without  his  cue. 

The  ships  were  now  passing  close  to  the 
"  Albaque " ;  the  sailors  of  that  gunboat 
watched  the  American  monitors  in  sullen 
silence.  The  midshipmen  looked  in  vain  for 
Commander  Ignacio ;  he  was  not  on  deck. 

"  She's  ready  to  get  under  way,"  Phil  ex- 
claimed, pointing  to  that  vessel.  "  See  !  her 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         33$ 

anchor  gear  is  rove  off  and  her  steam  launch 
has  been  hoisted  inboard."  Sure  signs  in- 
deed that  the  gunboat  was  ready  to  move. 

The  "  Monterey "  slowly  steamed  by  the 
renegades  until  the  gate  of  the  city  came  in 
view  from  the  river ;  then  a  rattle  of  chain 
announced  that  the  war-ship  had  anchored. 

The  "  Monadnock  "  had  by  order  stopped 
astern  and  upon  signal  dropped  her  anchor, 
so  that  in  case  of  treachery  that  monitor's 
big  guns  could  be  readily  trained  on  the 
forts. 

"  Now,  Barnes,"  Commander  Hughes  said 
with  energy,  "  call  away  the  landing  force 
and  set  them  ashore."  Then  he  drew  Lieu- 
tenant Wilson  aside,  talking  earnestly  with 
him  for  some  minutes. 

Inside  of  another  ten  minutes  the  midship- 
men found  themselves  on  the  jetty  of  the 
foreign  concession,  while  in  ranks  along  the 
water  front,  their  rifles  at  the  shoulder,  stood 
three  hundred  stalwart  sailors  from  the  three 
American  ships. 

Phil  glanced  uneasily  toward  the  high  city 
wall.  The  gate  he  could  not  see,  but  he  knew 
it  was  closed  and  the  drawbridge  raised. 


336  A  UNITED  STATES 

Probably  the  Chinamen  he  had  seen  on  the 
wall  when  the  monitors  steamed  down  the 
river  were  now  peering  out  through  the  hun- 
dreds of  loopholes,  their  rifles  ready  to  defend 
their  city  from  the  foreign  invader,  for  the 
lad  knew  that  Lieutenant  Wilson's  orders  had 
been  to  rescue  the  sailors  in  the  yamen. 

"  How  shall  we  cross  the  moat  ?  "  he  faltered 
to  Langdon  at  his  side. 

The  question  remained  unanswered,  for  the 
next  moment  a  heavy  discharge  rent  the  still 
air,  followed  by  an  explosion  near  the  city 
wall.  Again  came  the  shock  of  firing  and 
Phil  saw  that  the  "  Monterey's  "  big  guns  had 
been  fired  at  the  main  gateway  of  the  city. 

Shell  after  shell  sped  quickly  toward  the 
gateway,  scarcely  five  hundred  yards  from  the 
monitor's  guns. 

The  lads  gazed  about  them  in  bewilder- 
ment. How  could  this  aid  them  ?  Then  the 
firing  ceased  and  a  flag  waved  rapidly  from 
the  war-ship. 

"  Fours  right,"  Lieutenant  Wilson  cried  ex- 
citedly, hastily  leading  the  column  to  the 
cross  street  up  which  the  monitor  had  fired. 
Arriving  there,  Phil  gasped  with  admiration 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         337 

at  the  havoc  wrought  by  the  big  shells.  The 
drawbridge  was  down  across  the  moat  and  the 
great  gate  of  wood  and  iron  had  been  literally 
torn  from  its  huge  hinges  and  thrown  bodily 
fifty  feet  within  the  city. 

In  silence  the  sailors  were  led  across  the 
drawbridge,  Phil  noticing  the  severed  chains 
which  had  allowed  the  bridge  to  fall  in  place, 
and  then  they  were  inside  the  city. 

No  signs  of  life  were  visible,  and  the  open 
doors  and  windows  of  the  houses  showed 
plainly  that  the  Chinese  had  departed  sud- 
denly, fearing  the  shells  of  the  foreigners. 

"To  the  yamen,  Langdon,"  Lieutenant 
Wilson  cried  eagerly.  Then  as  the  pilot 
pointed  out  the  direction  :  "  Fix  bayonets !  " 
The  rasping  of  the  three  hundred  bayonets  as 
they  were  adjusted  on  the  rifles  lasted  for 
half  a  minute  and  then  Lieutenant  Wilson 
added  sharply,  "  Forward,  double  time." 

At  a  run  the  rescuing  column  swept  along 
the  narrow  street. 

Phil  and  Sydney  eagerly  raced  ahead,  fol- 
lowed closely  by  the  lieutenant  and  Langdon. 
After  but  a  few  minutes  the  midshipmen 
reached  the  gateway  of  the  yamen. 


338  A  UNITED  STATES 

An  exclamation  of  grave  concern  from 
Sydney  caused  his  companions  to  cast  anx- 
ious glances  toward  the  expansive  parade 
grounds  in  front  of  the  yamen  gate.  The 
sight  that  met  their  eyes  was  indeed  discon- 
certing. They  had  expected  no  more  than 
feeble  resistance,  but  there  before  them,  drawn 
up  as  if  on  parade,  was  a  vast  army  of  Chinese 
soldiers. 

"  What's  the  meaning  of  this?  "  Lieutenant 
Wilson  asked  falteringly,  coming  to  a  sudden 
stop,  while  his  men  gazed  in  wonder  at  the 
thousands  of  well-armed  soldiers,  apparently 
in  battle  array,  awaiting  the  word  to  begin  the 
fight. 

"  It  means  that  viceroy  Chang-Li-Hun  has 
overshot  his  bolt,"  Langdon  returned  joyfully  ; 
"  these  men  are  of  another  province.  Do  you 
see  their  yellow  plumes?  The  viceroy's 
soldiers  wear  red. 

"  Sent  by  Peking,"  he  added.  "  It  means 
the  viceroy  is  to  be  brought  to  account  by  his 
government." 

While  Langdon  was  speaking,  a  horseman 
rode  rapidly  toward  the  Americans.  Langdon 
walked  out  quickly  to  meet  him  when  he 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         339 

drew  rein  at  the  edge  of  the  roadway, 
and  immediately  addressed  him  in  his  own 
language. 

Then,  after  a  few  moments'  rapid  talk,  he 
turned  to  the  lieutenant,  a  broad  smile  on  his 
face. 

"  Just  as  I  supposed.  They  are  here  to 
suppress  outlaws.  His  general  has  gone  to 
the  forts  to  confer  with  Hang-Ki.  He  says 
the  viceroy  has  refused  to  receive  him." 

"  Tell  him,"  Lieutenant  Wilson  said  hur- 
riedly, "  that  four  of  our  sailors  are  held 
prisoners  in  the  yamen,  and  that  I  am  going 
to  enter  by  force  if  they  refuse  to  open  the 
gate." 

"  He  says  his  men  will  not  interfere,"  the 
pilot  returned,  after  a  few  hurried  words  with 
the  Chinese  officer.  "  In  fact,  I  believe 
they'd  gladly  help  us.  This  viceroy  is  not 
popular  with  the  Manchus." 

Without  more  ado  Lieutenant  Wilson 
knocked  loudly  on  the  gate  with  the  butt  of 
his  revolver.  There  followed  a  whispered 
consultation  from  beyond  the  gate  and  then  a 
small  slit  slid  back  suddenly,  revealing  a  pair 
of  almond  eyes,  peering  out  suspiciously. 


340  A  UNITED  STATES 

Before  Langdon  could  speak,  the  Chinese 
officer  had  dismounted  from  his  Tartar  pony, 
and  held  the  owner  of  the  eyes  in  earnest 
conversation.  A  moment  later  the  slit  was 
closed  sharply,  and  the  officer  recoiled  angrily, 
muttering  invectives  at  the  rudeness  of  his 
rebuff. 

"  He  says,  break  in  the  gate,"  the  pilot 
laughed  in  amusement. 

Anticipating  this  move,  Sydney  had  led  a 
party  of  men  to  where  a  telegraph  pole  was 
lying  on  the  ground,  ready  to  replace  a  pole 
apparently  condemned. 

"  It  couldn't  have  been  handier,"  he  ex- 
claimed, as  the  men  lifting  it  moved  it  in 
position  to  batter  in  the  gateway. 

A  few  forceful  blows,  and  the  American 
sailors  poured  through  the  shattered  gates. 

Another  gateway  barred  further  progress, 
and  this  was  soon  sent  flying  to  pieces  and 
the  foreigners  found  themselves  within  the 
main  courtyard  of  the  viceroy's  palace. 
Never  before  had  foreign  sailors  entered  these 
sacred  precincts  with  hostile  intent. 

"  Mr.  Perry,  you  and  Mr.  Monroe  press 
ahead,"  Lieutenant  Wilson  ordered.  "  You 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         341 

know  something  of  the  yamen,"  he  added,  a 
faint  smile  on  his  earnest  face.  "  Don't  be 
rash,"  he  warned.  "I'll  be  on  hand  if  you 
need  aid,  but  it  looks  as  if  the  yamen  were  de- 
serted." 

Quickly  selecting  a  dozen  men,  among 
whom  was  O'Neil,  who  had  pressed  forward 
to  the  midshipmen's  side  upon  entering  the 
building,  Phil  led  the  way  toward  the 
viceroy's  private  apartments. 

The  door  through  which  they  had  entered 
the  night  before  was  bolted  from  within,  but 
by  the  united  weight  of  Langdon  and  O'Neil 
it  soon  opened  obediently.  They  found  this 
room  empty,  but  the  door  to  the  viceroy's  bed- 
room was  open  slightly. 

"  Careful,  Mr.  Perry,"  O'Neil  cried,  catching 
the  lad's  arm  and  drawing  him  back  from  the 
open  door. 

The  boatswain's  mate  was  just  in  the  nick 
of  time.  A  rifle  muzzle  had  suddenly  been 
thrust  through  the  opening  and  discharged, 
filling  the  room  with  the  noise  of  thunder. 
Phil  recoiled  in  terror,  his  face  burning  pain- 
fully from  the  heat  of  the  discharge,  while 
his  ears  were  deafened. 


342  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  Do  you  see,  sir  ?  "  O'Neil  observed  huskily, 
as  he  wrenched  the  rifle  from  the  Chinaman's 
hand  and  clubbed  him  into  insensibility  be- 
fore he  could  run.  "  Always  approach  an 
open  door  with  caution  and  from  the  side." 

Crowding  into  the  viceroy's  bedchamber, 
the  Americans  were  struck  dumb  by  the  sad- 
ness of  the  spectacle  before  them. 

There  in  the  great  canopied  bed  lay  the 
form  of  the  aged  viceroy  ;  his  eyes  were 
closed,  while  upon  his  parchment-like  face 
had  spread  the  pallor  of  death.  The  room 
was  empty  save  for  a  single  figure  standing 
beside  the  bed,  a  look  of  mortal  fear  in  his 
eyes. 

"  Dead ! "  Phil  whispered  in  awe  at  the 
sight,  while  he  reverently  removed  his  cap. 
The  sailors  stood  in  silence,  their  heads  un- 
covered, thrilled  by  the  scene.  Chang-Li- 
Hun's  face,  even  in  death,  had  not  lost  its 
cruel  expression.  He  lay  there,  silent,  un- 
conquered.  The  will  of  Peking  held  no  ter- 
rors for  him  now. 

Langdon  motioned  to  the  Chinaman  at  the 
dead  man's  bedside  that  no  harm  would  come 
to  him,  and  after  gaining  courage,  but  eyeing 


THF 


AMERICANS  WERE 
STRTCK  Dl' MB 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        343 

fearfully  the  insensible  body  of  the  last  remain- 
ing guard,  he  came  slowly  to  the  pilot's  side. 

"  He  says  Ta-Ling  has  not  returned," 
Langdon  breathed  in  a  subdued  voice  after  a 
minute's  talk  with  the  frightened  man.  "  He's 
the  treasurer  you  choked  in  the  next  room," 
he  continued  hurriedly  to  Phil,  "  and  he  will 
lead  us  to  the  cell  where  the  sailors  were  con- 
fined." 

The  lad's  hopes  ran  high.  If  Ta-Ling  had 
not  returned,  it  might  be  possible  that  the 
men  were  as  yet  alive. 

As  the  Americans  hastened  after  the  China- 
man, they  passed  Lieutenant  Wilson  and  his 
waiting  sailors  in  the  courtyard. 

"  The  viceroy  is  dead  !  "  Phil  exclaimed 
hurriedly  as  he  passed  him. 

The  treasurer  led  the  way  past  the  cell  in 
which  the  midshipmen  had  spent  so  many 
horrible  hours  of  torture,  but  to  Phil's  alarm 
it  was  now  empty. 

"  The  prisoners  are  gone,"  the  lad  faltered, 
pointing  to  the  deserted  prison.  "  Ask  him 
the  meaning,  Langdon." 

"He  says  he  knows  nothing,"  the  pilot 
replied  after  stopping  suddenly  and  question- 


344  A  UNITED  STATES 

ing  the  distracted  Chinaman.  "  He  has  been 
with  the  viceroy  all  night.  Upon  hearing  of 
the  arrival  of  the  troops  sent  by  Peking,  the 
viceroy  swallowed  poison,  a  deadly  Chinese 
drug,  which  he  always  carried  with  him." 

Moving  rapidly  onward  the  Chinaman 
stopped  suddenly  in  front  of  a  cell  door. 

Phil's  heart  was  as  lead  as  he  pushed  the 
door  open.  The  cell  was  empty. 

"  Ta-Ling  did  return,"  he  cried  in  despair. 


CHAPTER  XXIV 

PHIL    EXPLAINS 

O'NEIL,  with  his  characteristic  energy, 
wasted  no  time  upon  the  cell,  which  he  had 
made  up  his  mind  long  since  would  be  found 
empty,  but  with  three  or  four  sailors  at  his 
back  had  pressed  forward  to  the  end  of  the 
narrow  corridor. 

He  heard  Phil's  cry  of  disappointment  as 
he  found  himself  on  the  edge  of  a  smaller 
courtyard,  and  was  just  in  time  to  discover 
a  fleeing  band  of  Chinamen  disappearing 
through  a  narrow  alley  at  the  far  end. 

Calling  loudly  for  the  others  to  follow,  the 
boatswain's  mate  ran  hurriedly  forward  across 
the  stone-paved  court. 

Reaching  the  entrance  to  the  alley,  the 
sharp  discharges  of  rifles  from  the  other  end 
caused  him  to  stop  abruptly,  but  before  he 
could  gain  a  place  of  safety,  a  stinging  pain 
in  his  shoulder  made  him  cry  out  sharply. 

Then  his  anger  overcame  his  training  in 
346 


346  A  UNITED  STATES 

discretion  and  with  his  men  beside  him> 
while  the  heavy  footfalls  of  the  midshipmen 
advancing  on  a  run  across  the  courtyard  told 
him  of  the  approach  of  reinforcements,  he 
boldly  raced  between  the  bordering  walls  of 
brick  and  mortar  now  swept  by  the  enemy's 
bullets. 

As  he  again  emerged  into  the  sunlight,  he 
was  barely  in  time  to  see  the  persistent  enemy 
scattering  like  a  covey  of  partridges  through 
numerous  passages  at  the  far  end  of  a  third 
courtyard,  while  from  that  direction  a  hot 
fire  was  directed  upon  him  and  his  handful  of 
men. 

What  should  he  do  ?  He  could  advance  no 
further  in  the  face  of  that  rifle  fire.  Glancing 
anxiously  behind  him,  he  saw  the  midship- 
men and  their  men  were  nowhere  in  view, 
and  yet  they  had  been  only  a  half  hundred 
paces  behind  when  he  had  charged  down  the 
alley.  The  sailors  were  returning  the  furious 
fire  of  the  Chinese,  but  O'Neil  saw  that  the 
enemy  was  hidden  and  the  spatter  of  their 
bullets  against  the  wall  behind  the  Americans 
showed  him  only  too  plainly  that  even  the 
poor  shots  of  the  Chinese  might  accidentally 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         347 

make  a  hit.  Reluctantly  he  ordered  a  retreat 
back  through  the  arched  passageway. 

As  O'Neil  and  his  men  again  reached  the 
second  courtyard,  across  which  he  had  chased 
the  fleeing  Chinamen,  he  saw  the  midship- 
men and  their  party  surrounding  several 
objects  upon  the  ground,  which  had  been 
covered  over  with  a  large  piece  of  canvas. 

"  They  are  safe,"  Sydney's  voice  hailed  as 
he  caught  sight  of  the  returning  sailors. 
"  You  ran  right  over  them." 

The  prisoners  were  quickly  freed  from  their 
manacles,  and,  supported  by  their  comrades, 
the  party  hastened  to  rejoin  Lieutenant  Wil- 
son. 

The  four  sailors  had  had  a  narrow  escape. 
Ta-Ling,  determined  upon  revenge,  had  been 
upon  the  point  of  beheading  them  when 
O'Neil  and  his  men  had  caused  him  to  desist. 
Then  covering  them  hurriedly  with  a  large 
piece  of  canvas,  he  hoped  to  conceal  their 
presence  until  the  Americans  had  given  up 
their  search,  when  he  would  return  and 
finish  his  diabolical  work.  But  the  curiosity 
of  an  American  had  defeated  his  plan  ;  for 
raising  the  corner  of  the  canvas  the  sailor 


348  A  UNITED  STATES 

had  seen  the  blue-clad  legs  of  a  bound  and 
gagged  shipmate. 

Arriving  in  the  main  courtyard,  Phil's 
eye  caught  the  bright  color  of  a  Chinese 
mandarin's  clothes,  their  wearer  standing  at 
Lieutenant  Wilson's  side. 

"  Hang-Ki ! "  he  exclaimed  joyfully  as  he 
recognized  the  Tartar  general's  erect  form. 

The  two  midshipmen  hastened  to  the 
Manchu's  side  and  shook  hands  with  him 
warmly. 

Hang-Ki  had  been  patiently  waiting  for 
Langdon's  return  to  interpret  his  words  to 
the  American  lieutenant.  Another  mandarin 
stood  by  Hang-Ki's  side,  his  rugged  frame  in- 
dicating clearly  that  he  also  was  of  Tartar 
blood,  from  which  race  the  military  leaders 
of  China  are  taken. 

The  midshipmen  waited  impatiently  to 
hear  what  Hang-Ki  had  to  tell,  while  Lieu- 
tenant Wilson  congratulated  all  hands  upon 
the  success  of  the  rescue,  and  shook  hands  as 
all  had  done  with  the  rescued  men. 

"  His  Excellency  says  the  viceroy  killed 
himself  early  this  morning  ;  the  captain  of 
the  yamen  guards  brought  him  the  news,  but 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        349 

it  did  not  arrive  in  time  to  hoist  the  white 
flag  before  the  monitor  had  fired  her  shell. 
He  says  many  men  were  hurt  during  the 
night  engagement  and  asks  how  many 
Americans  were  killed." 

"  Tell  him  we've  lost  only  one  man  in  all 
the  fighting,"  Lieutenant  Wilson  replied. 

Hang-Ki,  after  Langdon  had  given  him 
Lieutenant  Wilson's  words,  shook  his  head 
as  though  mystified. 

The  two  generals  expressed  a  wish  to  visit 
the  American  commander,  and  make  China's 
peace  for  the  hostile  acts  of  the  dead  viceroy. 

The  sailors  were  assembled  and  marched 
directly  to  the  landing. 

As  the  river  and  the  anchored  ships  came 
into  view,  Phil  grasped  Sydney's  arm  ex- 
citedly, pointing  to  a  white  yacht  lying  grace- 
fully at  anchor  between  the  monitors  and  the 
11  Phoenix  "  ;  the  latter  having  left  the  allies 
at  the  upper  anchorage  and  steamed  down  the 
river  while  they  were  inside  the  Chinese  city. 

"  The  '  Alacrity  ' !  "  he  exclaimed,  "  and  the 
admiral's  on  board  ;  there's  his  flag  at  the 
main,"  pointing  to  a  large  blue  flag,  with  two 
white  stars  in  the  field.  Then  the  joy  died 


350  A  UNITED  STATES 

in  his  face.  The  letter  of  the  viceroy  and  the 
telegram,  as  yet  undelivered,  came  to  his 
mind. 

"Where's  the  '  Albaque '?"  Sydney  asked 
suddenly,  searching  the  river  for  Ignacio's 
ship. 

"  There  she  goes,"  Langdon  cried,  pointing 
down  stream,  where  a  trail  of  smoke  from  a  fast 
disappearing  steamer  hung  low  over  the  muddy 
water  of  the  river. 

Upon  reaching  the  "  Phoenix,"  there  was 
Commander  Hughes  on  deck,  anxiously  wait- 
ing to  hear  the  results  of  the  expedition.  His 
face  was  wreathed  in  smiles  as  he  heard  of 
their  unlooked-for  success.  Then,  motioning 
Langdon  to  follow,  he  led  the  two  Chinese 
officers  to  his  cabin. 

Phil  had  not  dared,  with  his  guilt  written 
plainly  on  his  face,  to  look  his  captain  in  the 
eye  while  that  officer  showered  praises  upon 
the  two  midshipmen,  and  he  was  much  re- 
lieved to  be  able  to  escape  to  his  own  room, 
there  to  map  out  a  course  of  action. 

"  Our  best  plan,  Syd,"  Phil  declared,  "  is  to 
take  all  these  papers  to  the  captain  and  make 
a  clean  breast  of  it." 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         351 

Sydney  agreed  wholly  with  his  friend's 
plan  and  all  that  remained  was  to  muster  up 
courage  to  go  to  the  captain.  Both  midship- 
men would  much  rather  have  faced  a  hundred 
Chinese  rifles  than  confess  to  their  captain 
that  a  telegram  and  directed  to  him  from  the 
navy  department  had  been  purposely  hidden. 

A  rap  on  the  door  caused  Phil's  pulses  to 
beat  quicker  and  his  heart  rise  to  his  mouth. 

"  The  captain  would  like  to  see  Mr.  Perry 
and  Mr.  Monroe,"  the  orderly  announced, 
peering  in  through  the  curtain  at  the  startled 
lads. 

"Come  on,  Phil,"  Sydney  urged;  "we'd 
better  get  it  over  with." 

In  silence  they  walked  into  the  cabin. 
Phil's  head  swam  as  his  old  friend  Admiral 
Taylor  shook  his  hand  and  spoke  solid  words 
of  praise  for  his  valuable  services. 

Hang-Ki  had  risen  to  go  upon  the  entrance 
of  the  midshipmen,  and  after  bowing  to  the 
admiral  and  captain  he  stepped  quickly  to 
Phil's  side,  pressing  into  his  hand  the  jade  ring. 

"  He  says,"  Langdon  interpreted,  "that  he 
has  evidence  enough  without  it  if  he  is  lucky 
enough  to  capture  Ta-Ling." 


352 


A  UNITED  STATES 


"  I  am  delighted,  Hughes,"  the  admiral 
said  as  Commander  Hughes  returned  with 
the  midshipmen,  after  having  escorted  the 
Chinese  soldiers  to  the  gangway,  "  at  the  suc- 
cessful end  gained  by  your  clear-headed 
policy.  Washington,  hearing  nothing  from 
you  and  at  the  same  time  receiving  news  of 
your  doings  from  a  foreign  government,  was 
quite  justified,  in  view  of  your  known  im- 
petuosity, in  being  anxious.  It  was  current 
in  Shanghai  that  you  had  been  relieved  of 
your  command,  yet  I  received  no  word  up  to 
the  time  of  sailing,  two  days  ago." 

Phil  saw  his  opportunity  had  come  to  bare 
his  secret,  and  drawing  the  viceroy's  letter, 
the  telegram  and  the  correspondence  of 
Ignacio  all  from  his  pocket,  he  laid  them  in 
silence  on  the  table  between  the  two  officers. 

The  lads  waited  in  a  fever  of  dread  while 
the  officers  glanced  in  surprise  at  the  papers 
before  them.  Phil  saw  that  the  admiral  held 
the  cipher  telegram,  with  the  translation  un- 
derneath the  cipher  words. 

"  What  does  this  mean  ?  "  the  admiral  cried 
sternly,  reading  aloud  the  translation  of  the 
cablegram. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA        353 

Phil  boldly  told  where  and  when  he  had 
found  the  telegram,  and  his  reasons  for  not 
delivering  it  until  now. 

The  admiral  regarded  the  lad  severely. 

"  Knowing  this  was  from  the  department 
in  Washington,  you  concealed  it,"  he  ex- 
claimed. "  Explain  yourself,  sir." 

Phil  swallowed  hard  and  then  pointed  a 
trembling  finger  to  the  other  papers. 

"  After  you  have  read  those,  sir,"  he  said 
huskily,  "  I  shall  be  ready  to  stand  guilty  or 
not  guilty  in  your  eyes." 

Both  officers  eagerly  read  the  letters  from 
Ignacio  to  the  viceroy's  secretary. 

After  the  admiral  had  finished  reading,  he 
regarded  Phil  in  silence,  his  expression 
fathomless  to  the  anxious  midshipman. 
Commander  Hughes'  eyes  gave  him  no  en- 
couragement ;  they  were  directed  to  his 
brightly  polished  shoes.  It  was  a  question 
between  the  senior  midshipman  and  his  com- 
mander-in-chief.  Technically  a  great  breach 
of  naval  discipline  had  been  committed. 

The  minutes  ticked  away  slowly  by  the 
cabin  clock  while  the  lad  waited  for  the  word- 
ing of  his  doom. 


354  A  UNITED  STATES 

"  Mr.  Perry,"  the  admiral  at  length  began 
in  his  usual  calm  voice,  "  this  is  the  second 
time  that  you  have  placed  me  in  a  most  em- 
barrassing position,  but  I  want  to  say  right 
here,"  and  his  eyes  snapped,  "  if  I  had  a 
son,  and  he  had  committed  this  breach  of 
naval  discipline  in  order  to  save  the  situation, 
I  would  be  mighty  proud  of  him."  As  he 
finished  he  put  out  his  hand  to  the  surprised 
but  happy  midshipman,  who  grasped  it  joy- 
fully. 

Phil  was  so  surprised  that  he  could  not 
find  voice  to  utter  a  single  word.  He  stared 
dumbly  at  the  admiral,  his  tear-dimmed  eyes 
eloquently  speaking  the  words  he  could  not 
utter. 

Commander  Hughes  jumped  up  and  grasped 
the  midshipman  by  the  hand,  showing  in  his 
face  the  keen  pleasure  the  admiral's  decision 
had  given  him. 

"  This  correspondence  I  shall  keep  in  my 
safe,"  the  admiral  said,  a  twinkle  in  his  eyes, 
"  in  case  I  have  trouble  in  explaining  our 
young  friend's  crime.  It  may  also  serve 
us  in  the  future  with  this  foreign  Judas 
Iscariot. 


MIDSHIPMAN  IN  CHINA         355 

"  And  now,  young  man,"  he  added,  his  kind 
face  beaming  with  good  nature,  "  I  think 
after  a  few  months  I  shall  have  to  deprive 
your  captain  of  your  services.  I  am  going  to 
put  in  commission  a  number  of  small  gun- 
boats for  duty  against  the  Philippine  in- 
surgents, and  I  have  decided  to  give  Mr. 
Perry  command  of  one  of  them  with  Mr. 
Monroe  as  his  executive  officer,  and  I  sup- 
pose," he  suggested  with  a  smile,  "  that  you 
will  want  O'Neil  as  the  chief  boatswain's 
mate." 

Phil  could  hardly  believe  his  ears.  Instead 
of  censure,  here  was  the  admiral  offering  him 
a  ship  of  his  own. 

As  one  in  a  dream  he  thanked  the  admiral 
and  accompanied  by  Sydney,  withdrew  from 
the  cabin. 

By  order  of  Peking  Hang-Ki  was  made 
viceroy  and  he  at  once  took  steps  to  safe- 
guard all  foreigners  throughout  the  provinces. 

The  allied  gunboats  within  the  hour 
anchored  off  Ku-Ling,  and  before  the  day 
was  over  the  foreign  concession  had  taken  up 
the  thread  of  business  where  it  had  been  so 
rudely  interrupted.  Commander  Hughes  de- 


356  A  UNITED  STATES 

tailed  a  force  of  mechanics  from  the  Ameri- 
can war-ships  to  repair  the  damaged  launches 
of  the  faithful  Emmons,  and  before  a  week 
had  passed  the  launch  trade  was  flourishing 
as  of  old. 

The  concession  to  build  the  railroad  to 
Peking  was  made  more  secure  to  the  Ameri- 
can company,  and  before  the  "  Phoenix  "  sailed 
for  Shanghai  the  lads  saw  the  material,  which 
had  long  waited  for  permission  to  be  landed, 
safely  stored  in  go-downs  and  the  work  on  the 
road  started. 

Ta-Ling  made  good  his  escape,  and  it  was 
believed  that  he  had  gone  to  the  mountains, 
there  to  remain  in  hiding  until  another  op- 
portunity might  present  itself  to  avenge  him- 
self on  the  despised  foreigner. 

O'Neil's  wound  was  found  by  the  doctors  to 
be  not  dangerous  and,  with  his  arm  in  a  sling 
for  several  days,  he  was  gazed  at  admiringly 
by  his  less  fortunate  shipmates. 

Langdon  received  the  personal  thanks  of 
the  admiral,  and  Commander  Hughes  stoutly 
declares  that  he  is  as  good  a  pilot  ashore  as 
he  is  on  the  river. 


nil 1 1 in  mill  in 

A  000  032  966  4 


